Nokea
The postanesthesia care unit (PACU) charge nurse notes vital signs on four postoperative clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
- A. Client with a blood pressure of 100/50 mm Hg
- B. Client with a pulse of 118 per minute
- C. Client with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
- D. Client with a temperature of 96°F (35.6°C)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The respiratory rate is the most critical vital sign for any client who has undergone general anesthesia or is a postoperative client. A respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min is abnormally low and requires immediate assessment. The other vital signs, while concerning, are less critical in this context.
You may also like to solve these questions
A postoperative client is being assessed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). Which assessment takes priority?
- A. Airway patency
- B. Breathing pattern
- C. Circulation status
- D. Cardiac rhythm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the airway always takes priority, followed by breathing and circulation. Bleeding and cardiac rhythm are part of the circulation assessment, but airway patency is the most critical in the immediate postoperative period.
A nurse answers a call light on the postoperative nursing unit. The client states there was a sudden gush of blood from the incision, and the nurse sees a blood spot on the sheet. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Assess the client's blood pressure
- B. Perform hand hygiene and apply gloves
- C. Reinforce the dressing with a clean one
- D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Before assessing or treating drainage from the wound, the nurse must perform hand hygiene and don gloves to protect both the client and nurse from infection, adhering to standard precautions.
A nurse is admitting an older client for surgery to the inpatient surgical unit. The client relates a prior history of acute confusion after a previous operation. What interventions does the nurse include on the client's plan of care to minimize the potential for this occurring? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Allow family and friends to visit as the client desires.
- B. Ask the client about coping techniques frequently used.
- C. Keep the client bathed and groomed.
- D. Place the client in a room secluded at the end of the hall.
- E. Provide the client with uninterrupted periods of sleep.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: To minimize confusion, the nurse should encourage familiar visitors, assess coping techniques, maintain hygiene, and ensure adequate sleep. Secluding the client may increase sensory deprivation and confusion.
A postoperative client is being discharged with a prescription for oxycodone hydrochloride with acetaminophen (Percocet). What instructions does the nurse give the client? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Check all over-the-counter medications for acetaminophen.
- B. Do not take more pills each day than you are prescribed.
- C. Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of water.
- D. If this gives you diarrhea, loperamide (Imodium) can help.
- E. You shouldn't drive while you are taking this medication.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: Percocet contains acetaminophen, so the client must check other medications to avoid exceeding the 3000 mg daily limit. Adhering to the prescribed dose, maintaining a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation, and avoiding driving due to drowsiness are key instructions. Diarrhea is not a common side effect of opioids.
A postoperative client states that the sequential compression devices itch and are too hot. The client asks the nurse to remove them. What response by the nurse is best?
- A. Let me call the surgeon to see if you really need them.
- B. No, you have to use those for 24 hours after surgery.
- C. OK, we can remove them since you are stable now.
- D. To prevent blood clots, you need them a few more hours.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: According to the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), prophylactic measures to prevent thrombembolic events, such as sequential compression devices, are continued for 24 hours after surgery. The nurse should explain this to the client to promote compliance. Calling the surgeon is unnecessary, and simply refusing or agreeing to remove them does not address the client's concerns or provide education.