Which laboratory result would require immediate intervention by the nurse for the client scheduled for surgery?
- A. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL.
- B. Bleeding time two (2) minutes.
- C. Hemoglobin 15 g/dL.
- D. Potassium 2.4 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (2.4 mEq/L, normal 3.5–5.0) risks arrhythmias during anesthesia, requiring immediate intervention. Normal calcium, bleeding time, and hemoglobin are safe.
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The 68-year-old client scheduled for intestinal surgery does not have clear fecal contents after three (3) tap water enemas. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Notify the surgeon of the client's status.
- B. Continue giving enemas until clear.
- C. Increase the client's IV fluid rate.
- D. Obtain STAT serum electrolytes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Notifying the surgeon ensures guidance on proceeding, as unclear returns may indicate obstruction or inadequate prep, risking complications. More enemas, IV fluids, or electrolytes are secondary.
The nurse is planning the care of the surgical client having procedural sedation. Which intervention has highest priority?
- A. Assess the client's respiratory status.
- B. Monitor the client's urinary output.
- C. Take a 12-lead ECG prior to injection.
- D. Attempt to keep the client focused.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Procedural sedation risks respiratory depression; assessing respiratory status is critical for safety. Urinary output, ECG, and focus are secondary.
Which problem is appropriate for the nurse to identify for a client in the intraoperative phase of surgery?
- A. Alteration in comfort.
- B. Disuse syndrome.
- C. Risk for injury.
- D. Altered gas exchange.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Risk for injury (e.g., from positioning, equipment) is a primary intraoperative concern, per NANDA-I. Comfort, disuse, and gas exchange are more postoperative or anesthesia-related.
Which problem would be most appropriate for the nurse to identify for the client experiencing acute pain?
- A. Ineffective coping.
- B. Potential for injury.
- C. Alteration in comfort.
- D. Altered sensory input.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Alteration in comfort directly addresses acute pain’s impact, per NANDA-I. Coping, injury, and sensory input are secondary or unrelated.
The PACU nurse administers Narcan, an opioid antagonist, to a postoperative client. Which client problem should the nurse include to the plan of care based on this medication?
- A. Alteration in comfort.
- B. Risk for depressed respiratory pattern.
- C. Potential for infection.
- D. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Narcan reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression, but risk persists, requiring monitoring. Comfort, infection, and fluid imbalance are unrelated to Narcan.
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