POST-OP CARE NCLEX QUESTIONS

1.A 67-year-old male patient is admitted to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) after abdominal surgery. Which assessment, if made by the nurse, is the best indicator of respiratory depression? Increased respiratory rate Decreased oxygen saturation Increased carbon dioxide pressure Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) Increased carbon dioxide pressure Transcutaneous carbon dioxide pressure (PtcCO2) monitoring is a sensitive indicator of respiratory depression. Increased CO2 pressures would indicate respiratory depression. Clinical manifestations of inadequate oxygenation include increased respiratory rate, dysrhythmias (e.g., premature ventricular contractions), and decreased oxygen saturation. 2.The nurse is caring for a 54-year-old unconscious female patient who has just been admitted to the post anesthesia care unit after abdominal hysterectomy. How should the nurse position the patient? Left lateral position with head supported on a pillow Prone position with a pillow supporting the abdomen Supine position with head of bed elevated 30 degrees Semi-Fowler's position with the head turned to the right Left lateral position with head supported on a pillow The unconscious patient should be placed in the lateral "recovery" position to keep the airway open and reduce the risk of aspiration. Once conscious, the patient is usually returned to a supine position with the head of the bed elevated to maxim