The clinic nurse is reviewing the complete blood cell count (CBC) results for a patient who is scheduled for surgery in a few days. The results are white blood cell count (WBC) 10.2 ?? 10/1, hemoglobin 150 g/1, hematocrit 45%, platelets 150 ?? 10/1. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Send the CBC results to the surgery facility.
- B. Call the surgeon and anaesthesiologist immediately.
- C. Ask the patient about any symptoms of a recent infection.
- D. Discuss the possibility of blood transfusion with the patient.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should be sure that the CBC results, which are normal, are available at the surgical facility to avoid delay of the procedure. With normal results, there is no need to notify the surgeon or anaesthesiologist, discuss blood transfusion, or ask about recent infection.
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According to the ASA Physical Status Classification System, which of the following assessments is consistent with a rating of ASA III?
- A. Persistent asthma, controlled with an inhaler and corticosteroids
- B. Poorly controlled asthma and is wheezing
- C. Is in status asthmaticus and on a ventilator
- D. Has no significant health problems
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A patient assessed as a rating of III on the ASA Physical Status Classification System has a history of persistent asthma controlled with β-adrenergic agonist inhaler and inhaled corticosteroids and is not wheezing. Poorly controlled asthma and wheezing is a rating of IV. No significant health problems, past or present, is a rating of I. A patient in status asthmaticus, intubated and on a ventilator, receiving corticosteroids intravenously, is rated as a V.
The nurse is preparing to administer atropine to a patient before surgery. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse teach the patient to expect?
- A. Dizziness
- B. Weakness
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Forgetfulness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Anticholinergic medications decrease oral and respiratory secretions, so the patient is taught that a dry mouth is an expected adverse effect. Weakness, forgetfulness, and dizziness are adverse effects associated with other preoperative medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines.
The nurse is conducting a preoperative interview with a patient who is scheduled for an elective hysterectomy and the patient tells the nurse, 'I am afraid that I will die in surgery like my mother did!' Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Tell me more about what happened to your mother.
- B. You will receive medications to reduce your anxiety.
- C. You should talk to the doctor again about the surgery.
- D. Surgical techniques have improved a lot in recent years.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient's statement may indicate an unusually high anxiety level or a family history of problems such as malignant hyperthermia, which will require precautions during surgery. The other statements also may address the patient's concerns, but further assessment is needed first.
The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Which of the following information about medication use is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
- A. The patient uses acetaminophen occasionally for aches and pains.
- B. The patient takes garlic capsules daily but did not take any on the surgical day.
- C. The patient has a history of cocaine use but quit using the drug over 10 years ago.
- D. The patient took a sedative medication the previous night to assist in falling asleep.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Persistent use of garlic may predispose to intraoperative and postoperative bleeding. The use of a sedative the previous night, occasional acetaminophen use, and a distant history of cocaine use will not usually affect the surgical outcome.
The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who is scheduled for a mastectomy at 1:00 PM today and it is now 8:30 AM. The patient uses insulin to control blood glucose and has been NPO since midnight. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Withhold the usual scheduled insulin dose because the patient is NPO.
- B. Obtain a blood glucose measurement before any insulin administration.
- C. Administer the usual insulin dose because stress will increase the blood glucose.
- D. Administer a lower dose of insulin because there will be no oral intake before surgery.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preoperative insulin administration is individualized to the patient, and the current blood glucose will provide the most reliable information about insulin needs. It Sp?³??
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