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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.
Which statement explains the nurse's responsibility when obtaining informed consent for the client undergoing a surgical procedure?
- A. The nurse should provide detailed information about the procedure.
- B. The nurse should inform the client of any legal consultation needed.
- C. The nurse should write a list of the risks for postoperative complications.
- D. The nurse should ensure the client is voluntarily giving consent.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse ensures voluntary consent, verifying understanding and no coercion, per ethical standards. Detailed information, legal consultation, and risk lists are the HCP’s role.
The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) can be overheard talking loudly to the scrub technologist discussing a problem which occurred during one (1) of the surgeries. Which intervention should the nurse in the surgical holding area with a female client implement?
- A. Close the curtains around the client's stretcher.
- B. Instruct the UAP and scrub tech to stop the discussion.
- C. Tell the surgeon on the case what the nurse overheard.
- D. Inform the client the discussion was not about her surgeon.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Instructing the UAP and tech to stop protects patient privacy and reduces anxiety, per HIPAA. Curtains, informing the surgeon, or reassuring the client are less direct.
Which intervention is appropriate for the nurse to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) when caring for the female client experiencing acute pain?
- A. Take the pain medication to the room.
- B. Apply an ice pack to the site of pain.
- C. Check on the client 30 minutes after she takes the pain medication.
- D. Observe the client's ability to use the PCA.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Applying an ice pack is a non-invasive task within UAP scope. Delivering medication, post-medication checks, and PCA observation require nursing judgment.
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.