PERIOPERATIVE ISB CASE STUDY QUIZ
2026 COMPLETE PRACTICE QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
RATIONALES PERIOPERATIVE NURSING
AND PERFUSION TECHNOLOGY STUDY
GUIDE
While in the PACU, a patient complains of shortness of breath, chest pains,
palpitations, and sweating. What is the likely cause of these findings?
A. Reactive airway disease A 45-year-old male client had a partial colectomy
with descending colostomy secondary to colon cancer 3 days ago. The client
has a history of colorectal polyps and ulcerative colitis and a body mass
index (BMI) of 42. He is married and has three children, works as a
computer programmer, and was independent prior to surgery. The shift
report indicates that the client had a difficult recovery after surgery and has
been on bedrest since admission. - CORRECT ANSWER -CASE STUDY
INFORMATION
Which client statements require a follow-up assessment by the nurse?
Select all that apply.
"The tech said my vital signs are back to normal. I feel like I can get out of
bed today."
"There is finally some stool in my colostomy bag. I think that's a good sign,
right?"
,"My right leg seems skinnier than my left leg, which is warm and swollen."
"I didn't sleep well last night. The tech turned on the lights at 4:00 am to
take my blood."
"My wife plans on bringing the kids to see me today. Hopefully they won't
bother anyone."
"I have pain in my left calf. It's tolerable but I would rate it as a 4 on a scale
of 0 to 10."
"The incision looks better, but the ostomy is red and appears a little moist."
- CORRECT ANSWER -"My right leg seems skinnier than my left leg, which is
warm and swollen."
"I have pain in my left calf. It's tolerable but I would rate it as a 4 on a scale
of 0 to 10."
The nurse is concerned that the client may had a blood clot and performs
an assessment of the left lower extremity (LLE). For each finding below,
identify if the finding is consistent with the present of an arterial thrombus
or a deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Dull ache or heaviness in the left calf
Peripheral pulses are difficult to palpate because of pitting edema
Capillary refill = more than 3 seconds
Left extremity is pale when elevated on pillows - CORRECT ANSWER -DVT:
Dull ache or heaviness in the left calf
Peripheral pulses are difficult to palpate because of pitting edema
Arterial Thrombus:
,Capillary refill = more than 3 seconds
Left extremity is pale when elevated on pillows
The nurse's focused assessment finding are consistent with venous
thromboembolism and include unilateral lower extremity pitting edema
and pain. Venous duplex ultrasonography confirms the client has a left
lower extremity deep vein thrombosis. For each finding below, indicate if
the nursing action is indicated (appropriate or necessary), contraindicated
(could be harmful), or non-essential (makes no difference or is not
necessary) for the client's care at this time.
Apply sequential compression device to unaffected lower extremity.
Use ice packs to decrease leg swelling and pain.
Place the client's legs in a dependent position when sitting in a chair.
Administer supplemental oxygen via a nonrebreather mask.
Instruct the client to gradually increase activity and to stop any activity
temporarily if pain occurs. - CORRECT ANSWER -Contraindicated:
Use ice packs to decrease leg swelling and pain.
Place the client's legs in a dependent position when sitting in a chair.
Indicated:
Instruct the client to gradually increase activity and to stop any activity
temporarily if pain occurs.
????? Apply sequential compression device to unaffected lower extremity.
Non-essential:
Administer supplemental oxygen via a nonrebreather mask
, The client is diagnosed with a left deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and
primary health care provider orders are implemented. Later in the day the
licensed practical nurse (LPN) finds the client ambulating in the hallway
with his wife. The client stops suddenly, grabs his chest, and states, "I can't
breathe." The nurse helps the client to bed and completes an assessment.
Client findings include:
Sinus tachycardia at 102 beats/min
Reports chest pain 9/10
Respirations labored, using accessory muscles
Chest rise symmetrical
Respiratory rate = 28 breaths/min
Oxygen saturation = 86% on room air
Crackles ausculated bilateraly - CORRECT ANSWER -ADDITIONAL CASE
STUDY INFORMATION
After implementing emergent interventions, the LPN prepared to transfer
the client's care to a registered nurse. Which essential information will the
nurse include in a hand-off report to the registered nurse? Select all that
apply.
Notification of the laboratory technician about orders for blood work
Immunization history including influenza and penumococcal vaccines
Current oxygen saturation level and percentage of oxygen being
administered
A list of scheduled morning medications that were administered
Colostomy assessment and current intake and output balance