Which nursing intervention is priority for the client experiencing acute pain?
- A. Assess the client's verbal and nonverbal behavior.
- B. Wait for the client to request pain medication.
- C. Administer the pain medication on a scheduled basis.
- D. Teach the client to use only imagery every hour for the pain.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing verbal and nonverbal behavior determines pain severity and guides treatment, the priority. Waiting, scheduled dosing, or imagery alone delays or limits care.
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The circulating nurse notes a discrepancy in the needle count. What intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Inform the other members of the surgical team about the problem.
- B. Assume the original count was wrong and change the record.
- C. Call the radiology department to perform a portable x-ray.
- D. Complete an occurrence report and notify the risk manager.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Informing the team prompts a recount and investigation, the first step to prevent retained needles. Assuming errors, ordering x-rays, or reporting are premature.
The client is in the lithotomy position during surgery. Which nursing intervention should be implemented to decrease a complication from the positioning?
- A. Increase the intravenous fluids.
- B. Lower one leg at a time.
- C. Raise the foot of the stretcher.
- D. Administer epinephrine, a vasopressor.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lowering legs sequentially prevents rapid blood pressure drops from venous pooling, reducing circulatory complications in lithotomy. Fluids, stretcher elevation, and epinephrine are unrelated.
The nurse requests the client to sign a surgical informed consent form for an emergency appendectomy. Which statement by the client indicates further teaching is needed?
- A. I will be glad when this is over so I can go home today.
- B. I will not be able to eat or drink anything prior to my surgery.
- C. I can practice relaxing by listening to my favorite music.
- D. I will need to get up and walk as soon as possible.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Emergency appendectomy requires postoperative recovery, typically 1–2 days in hospital, so expecting to go home today indicates misunderstanding. NPO status, relaxation, and early ambulation are correct.
The nurse is interviewing a surgical client in the holding area. Which information should the nurse report to the anesthesiologist? Select all that apply.
- A. The client has loose, decayed teeth.
- B. The client is experiencing anxiety.
- C. The client smokes two (2) packs of cigarettes a day.
- D. The client has had a chest x-ray which does not show infiltrates.
- E. The client reports using herbs.
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: Loose teeth risk airway obstruction, smoking affects respiratory function and anesthesia, and herbs (e.g., ginseng) may interact with anesthesia, requiring anesthesiologist notification. Anxiety is common, and clear x-rays are reassuring.
The nurse and an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) are caring for clients on a surgery unit. Which task would be most appropriate to delegate to the UAP?
- A. Explain to the client how to cough and deep breathe.
- B. Discuss preoperative plans with the client and family.
- C. Determine the ability of the caregivers to provide postoperative care.
- D. Assist the client to take a povidone-iodine (Betadine) shower.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assisting with a Betadine shower is a non-invasive task within UAP scope. Teaching, discussing plans, and assessing caregivers require nursing judgment.
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