Nokea
The PACU nurse is receiving the client from the OR. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess the client's breath sounds.
- B. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula.
- C. Take the client's blood pressure.
- D. Monitor the pulse oximeter reading.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing breath sounds ensures airway patency and ventilation, the priority post-OR per ABCs. Oxygen, BP, and pulse oximetry follow airway assessment.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which nursing intervention has the highest priority when preparing the client for a surgical procedure?
- A. Pad the client's elbows and knees.
- B. Apply soft restraint straps to the extremities.
- C. Prepare the client's incision site.
- D. Document the temperature of the room.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Preparing the incision site ensures asepsis, reducing infection risk, the highest priority. Padding, restraints, and room temperature are secondary.
Which nursing intervention is the highest priority when administering pain medication to a client experiencing acute pain?
- A. Monitor the client's vital signs.
- B. Verify the time of the last dose.
- C. Check for the client's allergies.
- D. Discuss the pain with the client.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Checking allergies prevents adverse reactions, the highest safety priority. Vital signs, timing, and pain discussion follow.
The nurse identifies the nursing diagnosis 'risk for injury related to positioning' for the client in the operating room. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Avoid using the cautery unit which does not have a biomedical tag on it.
- B. Carefully pad the client's elbows before covering the client with a blanket.
- C. Apply a warming pad on the OR table before placing the client on the table.
- D. Check the chart for any prescription or over-the-counter medication use.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Padding elbows prevents pressure injuries during positioning, addressing the diagnosis. Cautery, warming pads, and medication checks are unrelated to positioning.
Which statement would be an expected outcome for the postoperative client who had general anesthesia?
- A. The client will be able to sit in the chair for 30 minutes.
- B. The client will have a pulse oximetry reading of 97% on room air.
- C. The client will have a urine output of 30 mL per hour.
- D. The client will be able to distinguish sharp from dull sensations.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pulse oximetry of 97% on room air indicates adequate oxygenation post-general anesthesia, a key outcome. Sitting, urine output, and sensation are secondary or unrelated.
The circulating nurse notes a discrepancy in the needle count. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Inform the other members of the surgical team about the problem.
- B. Assume the original count was wrong and change the record.
- C. Call the radiology department to perform a portable x-ray.
- D. Complete an occurrence report and notify the risk manager.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informing the team prompts a recount and investigation, the first step to prevent retained needles. Assuming errors, ordering x-rays, or reporting are premature.