The clinic nurse is doing a preoperative assessment of a patient who will be undergoing outpatient cataract surgery with lens implantation in 1 week. While taking the patients medical history, the nurse notes that this patient had a kidney transplant 8 years ago and that the patient is taking immunosuppressive drugs. For what is this patient at increased risk when having surgery?
- A. Rejection of the kidney
- B. Rejection of the implanted lens
- C. Infection
- D. Adrenal storm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Because patients who are immunosuppressed are highly susceptible to infection, great care is taken to ensure strict asepsis. The patient is unlikely to experience rejection or adrenal storm.
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The nurse is doing preoperative patient education with a 61-year-old male patient who has a 40-pack per year history of cigarette smoking. The patient will undergo an elective bunionectomy at a time that fits his work schedule in a few months. What would be the best instruction to give to this patient?
- A. Reduce smoking by 50% to prevent the development of pneumonia
- B. Stop smoking at least 6 weeks before the scheduled surgery to enhance pulmonary function and decrease infection
- C. Aim to quit smoking in the postoperative period to reduce the chance of surgical complications
- D. Stop smoking 4 to 8 weeks before the scheduled surgery to enhance pulmonary function and decrease infection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The reduction of smoking will enhance pulmonary function; in the preoperative period, patients who smoke should be urged to stop 4 to 8 weeks before surgery.
The nurse is planning patient teaching for a patient who is scheduled for an open hemicolectomy. The nurse intends to address the topics of incision splinting and leg exercises during this teaching session. When is the best time for the nurse to provide teaching?
- A. Upon the patients admission to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU)
- B. When the patient returns from the PACU
- C. During the intraoperative period
- D. As soon as possible before the surgical procedure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Teaching is most effective when provided before surgery. Preoperative teaching is initiated as soon as possible, beginning in the physicians office, clinic, or at the time of preadmission testing when diagnostic tests are performed. Upon admission to the PACU, the patient is usually drowsy, making this an inopportune time for teaching. Upon the patients return from the PACU, the patient may remain drowsy. During the intraoperative period, anesthesia alters the patients mental status, rendering teaching ineffective.
An OR nurse will be participating in the intraoperative phase of a patients kidney transplant. What action will the nurse prioritize in this aspect of nursing care?
- A. Monitoring the patients physiologic status
- B. Providing emotional support to family
- C. Maintaining the patients cognitive status
- D. Maintaining a clean environment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During the intraoperative phase, the nurse is responsible for physiologic monitoring. The intraoperative nurse cannot support the family at this time and the nurse is not responsible for maintaining the patients cognitive status. The intraoperative nurse maintains an aseptic, not clean, environment.
During the care of a preoperative patient, the nurse has given the patient a preoperative benzodiazepine. The patient is now requesting to void. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Assist the patient to the bathroom
- B. Offer the patient a bedpan or urinal
- C. Wait until the patient gets to the operating room and is catheterized
- D. Have the patient go to the bathroom
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: If a preanesthetic medication is administered, the patient is kept in bed with the side rails raised because the medication can cause lightheadedness or drowsiness. If a patient needs to void following administration of a sedative, the nurse should offer the patient a urinal. The patient should not get out of bed because of the potential for lightheadedness.
A clinic nurse is conducting a preoperative interview with an adult patient who will soon be scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery. What interview question most directly addresses the patients safety?
- A. What prescription and nonprescription medications do you currently take?
- B. Have you previously been admitted to the hospital, either for surgery or for medical treatment?
- C. How long do you expect to be at home recovering after your surgery?
- D. Would you say that you tend to eat a fairly healthy diet?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: It is imperative to know a preoperative patients current medication regimen, including OTC medications and supplements. None of the other listed questions directly addresses an issue with major safety implications.
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