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
The client is complaining of left shoulder pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Assess the neurovascular status of the left hand.
- B. Check the medication administration record (MAR).
- C. Ask if the client wants pain medication.
- D. Administer the client's pain medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing neurovascular status rules out referred pain from cardiac or vascular issues, the priority per ABCs. MAR checks, asking about medication, and administration follow.
Which activities are the circulating nurse's responsibilities in the operating room?
- A. Monitor the position of the client, prepare the surgical site, and ensure the client's safety.
- B. Give preoperative medication in the holding area and monitor the client's response to anesthesia.
- C. Prepare sutures; set up the sterile field; and count all needles, sponges, and instruments.
- D. Prepare the medications to be administered by the anesthesiologist and change the tubing for the anesthesia machine.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The circulating nurse monitors positioning, preps the site, and ensures safety, maintaining a non-sterile role. Medications, sterile field setup, and anesthesia tubing are other roles.
The nurse requests the client to sign a surgical informed consent form for an emergency appendectomy. Which statement by the client indicates further teaching is needed?
- A. I will be glad when this is over so I can go home today.
- B. I will not be able to eat or drink anything prior to my surgery.
- C. I can practice relaxing by listening to my favorite music.
- D. I will need to get up and walk as soon as possible.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Emergency appendectomy requires postoperative recovery, typically 1–2 days in hospital, so expecting to go home today indicates misunderstanding. NPO status, relaxation, and early ambulation are correct.
The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist on a client going to surgery. Which information should the nurse report to the surgeon?
- A. The client understands the purpose of the surgery.
- B. The client stopped taking aspirin three (3) weeks ago.
- C. The client uses the oral supplements licorice and garlic.
- D. The client has mild levels of preoperative anxiety.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Licorice and garlic may increase bleeding risk or interact with anesthesia, requiring surgeon notification. Understanding, aspirin cessation, and mild anxiety are expected or safe.
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.