Question 1

To prepare the patient for transfer to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), the tech must move the patient to a stretcher and secure their body. What other interventions should the perioperative tech do to prepare the patient for transfer?

A)Elevate the head of the bed 90 degrees.
B)Gather the patient's belongings and place them at the foot of the bed.
C)Raise the side rails on the stretcher.
D)Swaddle the patient's body with a dry, heavy blanket.

Raise the side rails on the stretcher.

Accepted Answer

The tech should raise the side rails on the stretcher before transferring a patient to the PACU. This promotes patient safety and prevents injury if the patient were to roll over or fall from the bed. Side rails should be up any time a patient is in bed, even if they are alert and oriented. Lower the side rails when the patient is ready to be transferred to the next bed.

Question 2

Which of the following is the most common reason for agitation and confusion during the time period when the patient is transferred from the operating room?&#10;A)Pain&#10;B)Hypothermia&#10;C)Hypoxemia&#10;D)A history of depression

Accepted Answer

Hypoxemia is the most common reason for agitation and confusion during the time period when the patient is transferred from the operating room. Hypoxemia results in decreased blood flow throughout the body, including to the brain, which may cause the confusion. The tech should assess the patient's levels of oxygenation and provide supplemental oxygen if necessary.

Question 3

Which of the following is an essential element of planning for the patient's postoperative care?&#10;A)Involving family members in the patient's care&#10;B)Eliminating the causes of pain before discharge&#10;C)Progressing the diet to return to normal&#10;D)Both A and C

Accepted Answer

An essential element of planning for the patient's postoperative care is involving family members in the patient's care. Family members or significant others are extremely important for providing support and help with a patient after surgery and should be taught the best methods of care alongside the patient. The patient may be free from pain before discharge, but pain may not be eliminated entirely; it should, however, be under control. The patient may or may not return to a normal diet right away, depending on the surgical procedure.

Question 4

Which of the following subjects are appropriate teaching topics for the patient's family?&#10;A)The physician's cell number in case of emergency&#10;B)The reasons, side effects, dosage, and timing for every medication the patient will be taking&#10;C)Instructions about what to do if the patient decides to ambulate to use the bathroom&#10;D)Both B and C

Accepted Answer

The family should be taught the reasons, side effects, dosage and timing for every medication the patient will be taking. Medications have a large impact on the patient's ability to heal as well as providing pain control. The family should have knowledge of medications, as well as why they are used and where to obtain them, in order to support the patient's healing process.

Deck 9: Transfer