Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery Related

Review Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition - Caring for Clients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery related questions and content

The client is being prepared for cardiothoracic surgery and is very apprehensive. What medication can be administered with a physician's prescription to decrease the amount of anesthetic that the client will receive in surgery?

  • A. An antipsychotic drug
  • B. An anxiolytic drug
  • C. An anticholinergic drug
  • D. An analgesic
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anxiolytics may be used before surgery to lessen anxiety and sedate the client. Clients who are relaxed and sedated when anesthesia is given require a smaller dose of anesthetic. An antipsychotic would not be indicated for this client. An anticholinergic medication may be given to decrease the amount of secretions the client will have during surgery but will not decrease anxiety. An analgesic is normally given postoperatively for pain control.