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The nurse is creating the care plan for a 70-year-old obese patient who has been admitted to the postsurgical unit following a colon resection. This patients age and increased body mass index mean that she is at increased risk for what complication in the postoperative period?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Azotemia
- C. Falls
- D. Infection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Like age, obesity increases the risk and severity of complications associated with surgery. During surgery, fatty tissues are especially susceptible to infection. In addition, obesity increases technical and mechanical problems related to surgery. Therefore, dehiscence (wound separation) and wound infections are more common. A postoperative patient who is obese will not likely be at greater risk for hyperglycemia, azotemia, or falls.
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The nurses teaching plan includes exercises of the extremities. What is the purpose of teaching a patient leg exercises prior to surgery?
- A. Leg exercises increase the patients muscle mass postoperatively
- B. Leg exercises improve circulation and prevent venous thrombosis
- C. Leg exercises help to prevent pressure sores to the sacrum and heels
- D. Leg exercise help increase the patients level of consciousness after surgery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exercise of the extremities includes extension and flexion of the knee and hip joints (similar to bicycle riding while lying on the side) unless contraindicated by type of surgical procedure (e.g., hip replacement). When the patient does leg exercises postoperatively, circulation is increased, which helps to prevent blood clots from forming. Leg exercises do not prevent pressure sores to the sacrum, or increase the patients level of consciousness. Leg exercises have the potential to increase strength and mobility, but are unlikely to make a change to muscle mass in the short term.
The nurse is preparing to send a patient to the OR for a scheduled surgery. What should the nurse ensure is on the chart when it accompanies the patient to surgery? Select all that apply.
- A. Laboratory reports
- B. Nurses notes
- C. Verification form
- D. Social work assessment
- E. Dieticians assessment
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: The completed chart (with the preoperative checklist and verification form) accompanies the patient to the OR with the surgical consent form attached, along with all laboratory reports and nurses records. Any unusual last-minute observations that may have a bearing on anesthesia or surgery are noted prominently at the front of the chart. The social work and dieticians assessments are not normally necessary when the patient goes to surgery.
The nurse is performing a preoperative assessment on a patient going to surgery. The patient informs the nurse that he drinks approximately two bottles of wine each day and has for the last several years. What postoperative difficulties can the nurse anticipate for this patient?
- A. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome immediately following surgery
- B. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome 2 to 4 days after his last alcohol drink
- C. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome upon administration of general anesthesia
- D. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome 1 week after his last alcohol drink
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome may be anticipated between 48 and 96 hours after alcohol withdrawal and is associated with a significant mortality rate when it occurs postoperatively.
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.
The nurse is performing a preadmission assessment of a patient scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy. Of what purpose of the preadmission assessment should the nurse be aware?
- A. Verifies completion of preoperative diagnostic testing
- B. Discusses and reviews patients health insurance coverage
- C. Determines the patients suitability as a surgical candidate
- D. Informs the patient of need for postoperative transportation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Purposes of preadmission testing (PAT) include verifying completion of preoperative diagnostic testing. The nurses role in PAT does not normally involve financial considerations or addressing transportation. The physician determines the patients suitability for surgery.