SURGICAL ASSESSMENT 1 EXAM SCRIPT
2026 COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS WITH
DEEPLY EXPLAINED SOLUTIONS GRADED
A+
⩥ Postoperative lab values. Answer: Report Hgb level of 8 g/dL to
provider as an indicator of postoperative hemorrhage or anemia.
⩥ ESWL procedure. Answer: Expect stone fragments in the urine after
extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.
⩥ Airborne precautions. Answer: Initiate airborne precautions for a
client with anorexia, low-grade fever, night sweats, and productive
cough, as these are manifestations of tuberculosis.
⩥ TPN administration. Answer: Administer dextrose 10% in water until
new TPN bag arrives to avoid drop in blood glucose level.
⩥ Levothyroxine interaction. Answer: Instruct client to avoid taking
calcium within 4 hr of levothyroxine administration, as calcium can
interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
, ⩥ Mechanical ventilation anxiety. Answer: Instruct client to allow the
machine to breathe for them to reduce anxiety and restlessness
associated with fighting the ventilator.
⩥ Adverse effect of enalapril. Answer: Identify orthostatic hypotension
as an adverse effect of enalapril.
⩥ Delayed wound healing. Answer: Identify urine output of 25 mL/hr as
a finding that contributes to delayed wound healing.
⩥ Hypothyroidism and opioid analgesic. Answer: Instruct client to void
every 4 hours to decrease the risk of urinary retention, which is an
adverse effect of opioid analgesics.
⩥ Portal hypertension. Answer: Obtain vital signs first when caring for a
client who is vomiting blood mixed with food after a meal, as this
indicates a potential rupture of esophageal varices.
⩥ Gastrectomy postoperative instructions. Answer: Instruct client to
avoid drinking fluids with meals, eat several small meals per day,
consume high-protein snacks, and avoid highly seasoned foods.
⩥ Cushing's triad. Answer: Identify bradycardia as a component of
Cushing's triad in a client with increased intracranial pressure from a
traumatic brain injury.