The nurse received a male client from the postanesthesia care unit. Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention?
- A. The client's vital signs are T 97°F, P 108, R 24, and BP 80/40.
- B. The client is sleepy but opens the eyes to his name.
- C. The client is complaining of pain at a '5' on a 1-to-10 pain scale.
- D. The client has 20 mL of urine in the urinary drainage bag.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension (80/40) suggest hypovolemic shock, requiring immediate intervention. Sleepiness, moderate pain, and low urine output are less urgent.
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The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist. Which laboratory value should be reported to the health-care provider immediately?
- A. Hemoglobin 13.1 g/dL.
- B. Glucose 60 mg/dL.
- C. White blood cells 6 (x10³/mm³).
- D. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Glucose of 60 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, risking perioperative complications, requiring immediate HCP notification. Normal hemoglobin, WBC, and potassium are safe.
Which problem should the nurse identify as priority for client who is one (1) day postoperative?
- A. Potential for hemorrhaging.
- B. Potential for injury.
- C. Potential for fluid volume excess.
- D. Potential for infection.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hemorrhaging is a life-threatening risk in the first 24–48 hours post-surgery, the priority. Injury, fluid excess, and infection are secondary.
The surgical client's vital signs are T 98°F, P 106, R 24, and BP 88/40. The client is awake and oriented times three (3) and the skin is pale and damp. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Call the surgeon and report the vital signs.
- B. Start an IV of D5RL with 20 mEq KCl at 125 mL/hr.
- C. Elevate the feet and lower the head.
- D. Monitor the vital signs every 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia, hypotension, and pale, damp skin suggest hypovolemic shock; Trendelenburg position (feet elevated, head lowered) improves cerebral perfusion, the first intervention. Surgeon notification, IV fluids, and monitoring follow.
The nurse is administering an opioid narcotic to the client. Which interventions should the nurse implement for client safety? Select all that apply.
- A. Compare the hospital number on the MAR to the client's bracelet.
- B. Have a witness verify the wasted portion of the narcotic.
- C. Assess the client's vital signs prior to administration.
- D. Determine if the client has any allergies to medications.
- E. Clarify all pain medication orders with the health-care provider.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D
Rationale: Verifying ID, witnessing waste, checking vital signs, and confirming allergies ensure opioid safety. Clarifying all orders is unnecessary unless unclear.
The three (3)-day postoperative client is complaining of unrelieved pain at the incision site one (1) hour after the administration of narcotic pain medication. Which action should the nurse implement first?
- A. Check the MAR for another medication to administer.
- B. Teach the client to use guided imagery to relieve the pain.
- C. Assess the client for complications.
- D. Elevate the head of the client's bed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Unrelieved pain post-narcotic may indicate complications (e.g., infection, hematoma), requiring assessment first. Additional medication, imagery, or HOB elevation follow.