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.
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The nurse is assessing a client in the day surgery unit who states, 'I am really afraid of having this surgery. I'm afraid of what they will find.' Which statement would be the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
- A. Don't worry about your surgery. It is safe.
- B. Tell me why you're worried about your surgery.
- C. Tell me about your fears of having this surgery.
- D. I understand how you feel. Surgery is frightening.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about fears encourages the client to express concerns, fostering therapeutic communication. Reassurance, asking 'why,' or assuming feelings are less empathetic.
Which situation demonstrates the circulating nurse acting as the client's advocate?
- A. Plays the client's favorite audio book during surgery.
- B. Keeps the family informed of the findings of the surgery.
- C. Keeps the operating room door closed at all times.
- D. Calls the client by the first name when the client is recovering.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeping the OR door closed maintains privacy and asepsis, advocating for client safety. Audio books, family updates, and name use are supportive but less critical.
Which intervention has priority for the nurse in the surgical holding area?
- A. Verify the surgical checklist.
- B. Prepare the client's surgical site.
- C. Assist the client to the bathroom.
- D. Restrain the client on the surgery table.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Verifying the surgical checklist ensures safety (e.g., site, consent), the priority in the holding area. Site prep, bathroom assistance, and restraints are secondary or intraoperative.
Which situation is an example of the nurse fulfilling the role of client advocate?
- A. The nurse brings the client pain medication when it is due.
- B. The nurse collaborates with other disciplines during the care conference.
- C. The nurse contacts the health-care provider when pain relief is not obtained.
- D. The nurse teaches the client to ask for medication before the pain gets to a '5.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Contacting the HCP for inadequate pain relief advocates for the client’s comfort. Bringing medication, collaborating, and teaching are supportive but less advocacy-focused.
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.
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