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Which assessment data indicate the postoperative client who had spinal anesthesia is suffering a complication of the anesthesia?
- A. Loss of sensation at the lumbar (L5) dermatome.
- B. Absence of the client's posterior tibial pulse.
- C. The client has a respiratory rate of eight (8).
- D. The blood pressure is within 20% of the client's baseline.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8 suggests respiratory depression, a serious spinal anesthesia complication. L5 numbness is expected, absent pulse suggests vascular issues, and stable BP is normal.
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Which action by the client indicates to the nurse preoperative teaching has been effective?
- A. The client demonstrates how to use the incentive spirometer device.
- B. The client demonstrates the use of the patient-controlled analgesia pump.
- C. The client can name two (2) anesthesia agents used during surgery.
- D. The client ambulates down the hall to the nurse's station each hour.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using the incentive spirometer correctly prevents atelectasis, a key preoperative teaching goal. PCA use is postoperative, naming agents is unnecessary, and hourly ambulation is excessive.
The nurse is caring for a client in acute pain as a result of surgery. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Administer pain medication as soon as the time frame allows.
- B. Use nonpharmacological methods to replace medications.
- C. Use cryotherapy after heat therapy because it works faster.
- D. Instruct family members to administer medication with the PCA.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering pain medication PRN within time frames ensures timely relief, per pain management standards. Nonpharmacological methods supplement, cryotherapy timing varies, and family PCA use is unsafe.
The circulating nurse observes the surgeon tossing a bloody gauze sponge onto the sterile field. Which action should the circulating nurse implement first?
- A. Include the sponge in the sponge count.
- B. Obtain a new sterile instrument pack.
- C. Tell the surgical technologist about the sponge.
- D. Throw the sponge in the sterile trashcan.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Telling the technologist ensures the contaminated sponge is removed from the sterile field, maintaining asepsis. Counting, new instruments, or trashing are secondary or incorrect.
The nurse in the holding area of the surgery department is interviewing a client who requests to keep his religious medal on during surgery. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the surgeon about the client's request to wear the medal.
- B. Tape the medal to the client and allow the client to wear the medal.
- C. Request the family member take the medal prior to surgery.
- D. Explain taking the medal to surgery is against the policy.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Taping the medal ensures safety (no loose objects) while respecting the client’s spiritual needs, per patient-centered care. Notification, removal, or policy citation are less accommodating.
The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for total hip replacement. Which behavior indicates the need for further preoperative teaching?
- A. The client uses the diaphragm and abdominal muscles to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth.
- B. The client demonstrates dorsiflexion of the feet, flexing of the toes, and moves the feet in a circular motion.
- C. The client uses the incentive spirometer and inhales slowly and deeply so the piston rises to the preset volume.
- D. The client gets out of bed by lifting straight upright from the waist and then swings both legs along the side of the bed.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Getting out of bed upright risks hip dislocation post-hip replacement; log-rolling is correct. Diaphragmatic breathing, foot exercises, and spirometry are appropriate.