Nokea
The nurse is planning the care of a patient who has type 1 diabetes and who will be undergoing knee replacement surgery. This patients care plan should reflect an increased risk of what postsurgical complications? Select all that apply.
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Delirium
- C. Acidosis
- D. Glucosuria
- E. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Hypoglycemia may develop during anesthesia or postoperatively from inadequate carbohydrates or excessive administration of insulin. Hyperglycemia, which can increase the risk for surgical wound infection, may result from the stress of surgery, which can trigger increased levels of catecholamine. Other risks are acidosis and glucosuria. Risks of fluid overload and delirium are not normally increased.
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The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. The patient states that she is very nervous and really does not understand what the surgical procedure is for or how it will be performed. What is the most appropriate nursing action for the nurse to take?
- A. Have the patient sign the informed consent and place it in the chart
- B. Call the physician to review the procedure with the patient
- C. Explain the procedure clearly to the patient and her family
- D. Provide the patient with a pamphlet explaining the procedure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While the nurse may ask the patient to sign the consent form and witness the signature, it is the surgeons responsibility to provide a clear and simple explanation of what the surgery will entail prior to the patient giving consent. The surgeon must also inform the patient of the benefits, alternatives, possible risks, complications, disfigurement, disability, and removal of body parts as well as what to expect in the early and late postoperative periods. The nurse clarifies the information provided, and, if the patient requests additional information, the nurse notifies the physician. The consent form should not be signed until the patient understands the procedure that has been explained by the surgeon. The provision of a pamphlet will benefit teaching the patient about the surgical procedure, but will not substitute for the information provided by the physician.
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.
The admitting nurse in a short-stay surgical unit is responsible for numerous aspects of care. What must the nurse verify before the patient is taken to the preoperative holding area?
- A. That preoperative teaching was performed
- B. That the family is aware of the length of the surgery
- C. That follow-up home care is not necessary
- D. That the family understands the patient will be discharged immediately after surgery
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse needs to be sure that the patient and family understand that the patient will first go to the preoperative holding area before going to the OR for the surgical procedure and then will spend some time in the PACU before being discharged home with the family later that day. Other preoperative teaching content should also be verified and reinforced, as needed. The nurse should ensure that any plans for follow-up home care are in place.
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.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted to the ER with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The nurse notes during the assessment that the patients ribs and xiphoid process are prominent. The patient states she exercises two to three times daily and her mother indicates that she is being treated for anorexia nervosa. How should the nurse best follow up these assessment data?
- A. Inform the postoperative team about the patients risk for wound dehiscence
- B. Evaluate the patients ability to manage her pain level
- C. Facilitate a detailed analysis of the patients electrolyte levels
- D. Instruct the patient on the need for a high-sodium diet to promote healing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The surgical team should be informed about the patients medical history regarding anorexia nervosa. Any nutritional deficiency, such as malnutrition, should be corrected before surgery to provide adequate protein for tissue repair. The electrolyte levels should be evaluated and corrected to prevent metabolic abnormalities in the operative and postoperative phase. The risk of wound dehiscence is more likely associated with obesity. Instruction on proper nutrition should take place in the postoperative period, and a consultation should be made with her psychiatric specialist. Evaluation of pain management is always important, but not particularly significant in this scenario.