Question 1

What is the purpose of performing a hemoglobin test upon admission prior to surgery?&#10;A)To determine how well the patient's blood is clotting.&#10;B)To determine if the patient is at high risk for infection.&#10;C)To determine if the patient's blood can carry adequate amounts of oxygen.&#10;D)To determine if the patient's body is utilizing calcium adequately.

Accepted Answer

A hemoglobin level is drawn before surgery to determine if the patient's blood can carry adequate amounts of oxygen. Hemoglobin is found on red blood cells and binds to oxygen to transfer it throughout the body through circulation. A low level of hemoglobin may need to be corrected before considering some types of procedures, such as some elective surgeries.

Question 2

Which of the following nursing diagnoses is most likely to be seen during the preoperative phase?&#10;A)Body image disturbance&#10;B)Knowledge deficit&#10;C)Altered nutrition, less than bodily requirements&#10;D)Impaired skin integrity

Accepted Answer

A common nursing diagnosis seen during the preoperative period is knowledge deficit related to the surgical procedure. Many patients, despite receiving educational information from the tech prior to surgery, are still not fully aware of the complexities and possible complications associated with their upcoming surgeries and recovery. Knowledge deficit recognizes that the patient may need only small amounts of teaching or may need considerable education.

Question 3

A 72-year old man is being admitted for a total hip replacement. What should the tech assess in order to prevent the most common cause of mortality associated with this procedure?&#10;A)Renal function&#10;B)Deep vein thrombosis&#10;C)Heart rhythm&#10;D)Skin turgor

Accepted Answer

The tech should assess for deep vein thrombosis. A deep vein thrombosis forms as a clot, which could move through the bloodstream and lodge in the lungs. This type of complication, also called a pulmonary embolism, is the most common cause of mortality in patients undergoing hip replacement.

Question 4

What symptoms might the tech admitting a patient with hypernatremia expect to see?&#10;A)Nausea and vomiting&#10;B)Elevated body temperature&#10;C)Flaccid paralysis&#10;D)Distended neck veins

Accepted Answer

The tech admitting a patient who has hypernatremia may be most likely to note an elevated body temperature. Hypernatremia is classified as excess sodium greater than 145 mEq/L. The patient may also have an elevated urine specific gravity upon testing. Hypernatremia also causes symptoms of restlessness, irritability, seizures and pulmonary edema.

Question 5

The tech is planning to teach the patient cognitive techniques to help with pain control when the surgery is complete. Which of the following is an example of guided imagery?&#10;A)The patient repeats to themself that they will heal and be free from infection.&#10;B)The patient focuses on soothing thoughts of their home and family.&#10;C)The patient learns to change television channels until they find something they like.&#10;D)The patient repeatedly rehearses a favorite poem in their mind.

Accepted Answer

An example of guided imagery as a cognitive technique is the patient focusing on soothing thoughts of their home and family. Guided imagery involves concentrating on pleasant images or thoughts that can take the person's mind off the pain. Guided imagery is a helpful technique to relieve some of the stress and discomfort associated with surgery. Teaching patients cognitive pain management techniques before the procedure will better prepare them postoperatively.

Question 6

Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate for the patient with sickle cell crisis?&#10;A)Moving and stretching swollen extremities.&#10;B)Educating male patients to try and hold urine in the bladder to avoid developing priapism.&#10;C)Providing rest in a quiet environment as much as possible.&#10;D)Both A and B

Accepted Answer

The tech who is caring for a patient in sickle cell crisis should provide rest in a quiet environment as much as possible. The patient is typically in severe pain and may be in need of fluids to help with hydration. Depending on the type of procedure schedule, the patient with uncontrolled pain who is in acute sickle cell crisis may need to have surgery postponed to reduce the risk of infection and further complications.

Question 7

A patient is being admitted for a surgical procedure to place an abdominal catheter for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following complications should the tech educate the patient about as they prepare for the procedure?

A)Diarrhea
B)Abdominal hernia
C)Chest pain
D)Syncope

Accepted Answer

The tech should educate the patient about the potential complication for an abdominal hernia to develop after placement of a catheter for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The fluid exchange that takes place may increase pressure in the abdomen. The most common types of hernias that occur in this situation include inguinal, diaphragmatic and umbilical hernias.

Deck 8: Preop