Question 1

An elderly postoperative patient is given an antiemetic for nausea. Which of the following signs would indicate this patient is experiencing a possible reaction to the medication?

Accepted Answer

Involuntary muscle movements can be a sign of extrapyramidal reactions, which can be a side effect of some antiemetic medications. Confusion, dry mouth, and breakthrough vomiting are common side effects of antiemetics and may not necessarily indicate a reaction.

Question 2

An elderly patient is receiving an NSAID for postoperative pain. Which of the following should the nurse assess in this patient?

Accepted Answer

Elderly patients taking NSAIDs are at risk for renal impairment, so monitoring urine output is important to assess kidney function.

Question 3

During the assessment of a postoperative patient's bowel sounds, the nurse auscultates high-pitched sounds over all four abdominal quadrants. The nurse realizes this finding could indicate which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Paralytic ileus is a condition in which the bowel is paralyzed and cannot move food or fluids through the digestive tract. This can lead to high-pitched bowel sounds, as the gas and fluid in the bowel move around.

Question 4

A patient is complaining of discomfort after a surgical procedure. The patient voices fear of addiction with taking analgesics as prescribed. What information should be provided to the patient regarding these concerns?  Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

These options provide accurate information to the patient. It is important to address their concerns about addiction, but also provide reassurance that it is unlikely to occur with short-term postoperative use. Additionally, explaining that pain tolerance and medication needs are individualized can help the patient feel heard and understood. Option D is not the best choice as it could potentially cause additional anxiety for the patient if they believe they are being screened for addiction. It is important to approach the issue of addiction potential in a non-accusatory and supportive manner.

Question 5

The patient who is preparing for surgery asks the nurse to keep his glasses and hearing aid in place until he is under anesthesia. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates accurate, therapeutic communication?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's response in option A demonstrates therapeutic communication by acknowledging the patient's request and taking steps to address it by contacting the surgery department, rather than dismissing the request outright.

Question 6

A patient who is recovering from abdominal surgery has a Penrose drain. Which of the following should the nurse include in the care of this patient?

Accepted Answer

A safety pin on the end of a Penrose drain prevents it from slipping back into the incision site, which is an important aspect of patient care for those with this type of drain.

Question 7

The nurse takes the form pictured above to the patient's room in preparation for an emergency surgical procedure. The patient states, "Doc said he would tell me all about the surgery when he gets here. Do you know what they are going to do?" What is the nurse's best response? 11ea992e_0a96_033d_9f38_7d1ce9d8b95e

Accepted Answer

The nurse should not provide information about the surgery without the physician's permission. It is best if the patient hears about the surgery from the physician, so the nurse should wait for the physician to explain it to the patient before they sign any forms.

Question 8

The nurse is assigned as the surgical scrub nurse for today's outpatient cases. Place on "X" on the picture that depicts how the nurse will dress today.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is assigned as the surgical...

Question 9

A patient recovering from surgery reports a pain level of 6 on a 0-10 pain scale but refuses additional pain medication since he does not want to "become addicted." The nurse's response should focus on which concept?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient recovering from surgery reports a...

Question 10

A patient is in his fifth postoperative day and has sanguineous drainage with a thick, reddish appearance. The nurse realizes this patient's wound is in which stage of healing?

Accepted Answer

Stage II of wound healing is characterized by the formation of granulation tissue, which is a reddish, thick tissue that fills in the wound bed.

Question 11

The nurse is assisting a postoperative patient in using an incentive spirometer. Which of the following postoperative complications is this nurse attempting to avoid with this patient?

Accepted Answer

The incentive spirometer is used to prevent atelectasis, which is a postoperative complication characterized by the collapse of small air sacs in the lungs due to decreased respiratory effort or poor ventilation. It helps the patient take deep breaths and improve lung function.

Question 12

The patient is scheduled for a perineal surgery. Place on "X" on the position in which the nurse would place this patient for surgery.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The patient is scheduled for a perineal...

Question 13

A patient says that his condition must be getting worse since he was receiving 10 mg morphine sulfate through the IV for pain but now is prescribed Demerol 50 mg by mouth at home. Which of the following should the nurse respond to this patient?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should educate the patient that oral doses of medications are often higher than those given through an IV and that it does not necessarily mean their condition is getting worse. This will help alleviate any concerns and provide the patient with a clear understanding of their medication regimen.

Question 14

An elderly patient is completing preoperative diagnostic testing. The nurse notes that the patient's carbon dioxide level is elevated. Which of the following nursing interventions would be indicated for this patient?

Accepted Answer

An elevated carbon dioxide level could indicate respiratory acidosis, which could affect the patient's ability to oxygenate their blood. Therefore, monitoring respiratory status and arterial blood gases would be the most appropriate nursing intervention to assess and manage this potential issue. Monitoring serum potassium and sodium levels, as well as intake and output, may also be important interventions for preoperative patients, but they are not directly related to an elevated carbon dioxide level.

Question 15

An elderly surgical patient is having an epidural catheter inserted for pain control. The nurse realizes that the advantages of this method of pain medication for the patient include which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An elderly surgical patient is having an...

Question 16

A patient who is being admitted for surgery asks the nurse why information is being collected about the patient's use of herbal and natural supplements. Which of the following statements is an appropriate nursing response?

Accepted Answer

Collecting information about herbal and natural supplements is important as they may interact with anesthetic agents used during surgery. It is important for the healthcare team to know what supplements the patient is taking to avoid any unwanted interactions or complications.

Question 17

A patient is scheduled for removal of a cataract. The nurse realizes this patient's procedure is classified as being which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Cataract removal is typically considered a minor elective procedure as it is planned in advance and not an emergency.

Question 18

A patient is signing a surgical consent. Afterwards, the nurse also signs the form. What is the meaning of the nursing signature?

Accepted Answer

The nursing signature indicates that the patient was alert and aware at the time of signing the surgical consent. The nurse is responsible for verifying that the patient understood the procedure and is giving informed consent. The surgeon's signature is also required on the form, indicating that they have explained the procedure to the patient and obtained their consent. The nursing signature does not indicate the likelihood of a successful outcome, but rather confirms that the patient was fully informed and able to make a decision regarding their treatment.

Question 19

An elderly patient is being prepared for orthopedic surgery. The nurse realizes this patient is at risk for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Elderly patients have decreased tolerance of general anesthesia due to changes in physiology with aging, such as decreased cardiac output, decreased renal and hepatic function, and decreased lean body mass. They are at higher risk for postoperative complications, including confusion, delirium, and hypotension.

Question 20

A patient is being transferred from the operating room to the recovery room. The nurse in the recovery room will be providing which phase of nursing care?

Accepted Answer

The postoperative phase of nursing care follows surgery and involves monitoring the patient's vital signs, pain management, wound care, and assessment of potential complications.

Quiz 4: Nursing Care of Patients Having Surgery