Which problem should the nurse identify as priority for client who is one (1) day postoperative?
- A. Potential for hemorrhaging.
- B. Potential for injury.
- C. Potential for fluid volume excess.
- D. Potential for infection.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hemorrhaging is a life-threatening risk in the first 24–48 hours post-surgery, the priority. Injury, fluid excess, and infection are secondary.
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The nurse is assessing a client in the day surgery unit who states, 'I am really afraid of having this surgery. I'm afraid of what they will find.' Which statement would be the most therapeutic response by the nurse?
- A. Don't worry about your surgery. It is safe.
- B. Tell me why you're worried about your surgery.
- C. Tell me about your fears of having this surgery.
- D. I understand how you feel. Surgery is frightening.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asking about fears encourages the client to express concerns, fostering therapeutic communication. Reassurance, asking 'why,' or assuming feelings are less empathetic.
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 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.
The surgical client's vital signs are T 98°F, P 106, R 24, and BP 88/40. The client is awake and oriented times three (3) and the skin is pale and damp. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Call the surgeon and report the vital signs.
- B. Start an IV of D5RL with 20 mEq KCl at 125 mL/hr.
- C. Elevate the feet and lower the head.
- D. Monitor the vital signs every 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tachycardia, hypotension, and pale, damp skin suggest hypovolemic shock; Trendelenburg position (feet elevated, head lowered) improves cerebral perfusion, the first intervention. Surgeon notification, IV fluids, and monitoring follow.
The circulating nurse assesses tachycardia and hypotension in the client. Which interventions should the nurse implement?
- A. Prepare ice packs and mix dantrolene sodium.
- B. Request the defibrillator be brought into the OR.
- C. Draw a PTT and prepare a heparin drip.
- D. Obtain finger stick blood glucose immediately.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tachycardia and hypotension suggest shock or arrhythmia, requiring a defibrillator for potential cardioversion. Dantrolene is for malignant hyperthermia, heparin for clotting, and glucose is unrelated.
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