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Which client assessment data are priority for the postanesthesia care nurse?
- A. Bowel sounds.
- B. Vital signs.
- C. IV fluid rate.
- D. Surgical site.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vital signs are the priority in PACU to monitor stability per ABCs. Bowel sounds, IV rate, and surgical site are secondary.
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The nurse and the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are working on the surgical unit. Which task can the nurse delegate to the UAP?
- A. Take routine vital signs on clients.
- B. Check the Jackson Pratt insertion site.
- C. Hang the client's next IV bag.
- D. Ensure the client obtains pain relief.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Taking vital signs is within UAP scope. Checking drains, hanging IVs, and ensuring pain relief require nursing assessment or licensure.
The nurse clears the PCA pump and discovers the client has used only a small amount of medication during the shift. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Determine why the client is not using the PCA pump.
- B. Document the amount and take no action.
- C. Chart the client is not having pain.
- D. Contact the HCP and request oral medication.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Determining why the client underuses the PCA (e.g., misunderstanding, side effects) ensures effective pain management. Documentation alone, assuming no pain, or changing medication is premature.
The nurse received a male client from the postanesthesia care unit. Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention?
- A. The client's vital signs are T 97°F, P 108, R 24, and BP 80/40.
- B. The client is sleepy but opens the eyes to his name.
- C. The client is complaining of pain at a '5' on a 1-to-10 pain scale.
- D. The client has 20 mL of urine in the urinary drainage bag.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypotension (80/40) suggest hypovolemic shock, requiring immediate intervention. Sleepiness, moderate pain, and low urine output are less urgent.
The nurse is completing a preoperative assessment on a male client who states, 'I am allergic to codeine.' Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Apply an allergy bracelet on the client's wrist.
- B. Label the client's allergies on the front of the chart.
- C. Ask the client what happens when he takes the codeine.
- D. Document the allergy on the medication administration record.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about the reaction verifies the allergy type (e.g., anaphylaxis vs. nausea), guiding safe care. Bracelet, labeling, and documentation follow verification.
Which client outcome would the nurse identify for the preoperative client?
- A. The client's abnormal laboratory data will be reported to the anesthesiologist.
- B. The client will not have any postoperative complications for the first 24 hours.
- C. The client will demonstrate the use of a pillow to splint while deep breathing.
- D. The client will complete an advance directive before having the surgery.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Demonstrating pillow splinting for deep breathing prepares the client to prevent atelectasis, a measurable preoperative outcome. Lab reporting, complication-free periods, and advance directives are not client actions.