Which statement made by the client who is postoperative abdominal surgery indicates the discharge teaching has been effective?
- A. I will take my temperature each week and report any elevation.
- B. I will not need any pain medication when I go home.
- C. I will take all of my antibiotics until they are gone.
- D. I will not take a shower until my three (3)-month checkup.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Completing antibiotics prevents infection, a key teaching point. Weekly temperature checks are excessive, pain medication is often needed, and showering is allowed sooner.
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The client in the surgical holding area tells the nurse 'I am so scared. I have never had surgery before.' Which statement would be the most appropriate response?
- A. Why are you afraid of the surgery?
- B. This is the best hospital in the city.
- C. Does having surgery make you afraid?
- D. There is no reason to be afraid.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting the client’s fear validates feelings, encouraging discussion. Asking 'why,' boasting about the hospital, or dismissing fear is less therapeutic.
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.
The charge nurse is making shift assignments. Which postoperative client should be assigned to the most experienced nurse?
- A. The 4-year-old client who had a tonsillectomy and is able to swallow fluids.
- B. The 74-year-old client with a repair of the left hip who is unable to ambulate.
- C. The 24-year-old client who had an uncomplicated appendectomy the previous day.
- D. The 80-year-old client with small bowel obstruction and congestive heart failure.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The 80-year-old with small bowel obstruction and CHF has complex needs (fluid balance, cardiac monitoring), requiring an experienced nurse. Tonsillectomy, hip repair, and appendectomy are less complex.
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.
The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports the vital signs for a first-day postoperative client as T 100.8°F, P 80, R 24, and BP 148/80. Which intervention would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement?
- A. Administer the antibiotic earlier than scheduled.
- B. Change the dressing over the wound.
- C. Have the client turn, cough, and deep breathe every two (2) hours.
- D. Encourage the client to ambulate in the hall.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A low-grade fever (100.8°F) and tachypnea (R 24) suggest atelectasis; turning, coughing, and deep breathing prevent respiratory complications. Antibiotics, dressing changes, and ambulation are secondary.
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