The nurse is conducting an interview with a 75-year-old client admitted with acute pain. Which question would have priority when assisting with pain management?
- A. Have you ever had difficulty getting your pain controlled?
- B. What types of surgery have you had in the last 10 years?
- C. Have you ever been addicted to narcotics?
- D. Do you have a list of your prescription medications?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Asking about past pain control identifies effective strategies or barriers, guiding management. Surgical history, addiction, and medication lists are secondary.
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The circulating nurse observes the surgeon tossing a bloody gauze sponge onto the sterile field. Which action should the circulating nurse implement first?
- A. Include the sponge in the sponge count.
- B. Obtain a new sterile instrument pack.
- C. Tell the surgical technologist about the sponge.
- D. Throw the sponge in the sterile trashcan.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Telling the technologist ensures the contaminated sponge is removed from the sterile field, maintaining asepsis. Counting, new instruments, or trashing are secondary or incorrect.
The postoperative client is transferred from the PACU to the surgical floor. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Apply antiembolism hose to the client.
- B. Attach the drain to 20 cm suction.
- C. Assess the client's vital signs.
- D. Listen to the report from the anesthesiologist.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Assessing vital signs establishes a baseline post-PACU, per ABCs. Antiembolism hose, drain attachment, and anesthesiologist report follow.
Which intervention is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) when caring for the female client experiencing acute pain?
- A. Take the pain medication to the room.
- B. Apply an ice pack to the site of pain.
- C. Check on the client 30 minutes after she takes the pain medication.
- D. Observe the client's ability to use the PCA.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applying an ice pack is a non-invasive task within UAP scope. Delivering medication, post-medication checks, and PCA observation require nursing judgment.
Which task would be most appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Complete the preoperative checklist.
- B. Assess the client's preoperative vital signs.
- C. Teach the client about coughing and deep breathing.
- D. Assist the client to remove clothing and jewelry.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Removing clothing and jewelry is a non-invasive task within UAP scope. Checklist completion, vital signs, and teaching require nursing judgment.
The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) can be overheard talking loudly to the scrub technologist discussing a problem which occurred during one (1) of the surgeries. Which intervention should the nurse in the surgical holding area with a female client implement?
- A. Close the curtains around the client's stretcher.
- B. Instruct the UAP and scrub tech to stop the discussion.
- C. Tell the surgeon on the case what the nurse overheard.
- D. Inform the client the discussion was not about her surgeon.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Instructing the UAP and tech to stop protects patient privacy and reduces anxiety, per HIPAA. Curtains, informing the surgeon, or reassuring the client are less direct.