NUR 313 EXAM 2 PRACTICE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Which condition would the nurse be concerned about for a postoperative patient who
has bronchial obstruction from retained secretions and an oxygen saturation of 87%?
Pulmonary embolism
Bronchospasm
Hypoventilation
Atelectasis - Answer -Atelectasis
Which assessment finding indicates that the postoperative patient is experiencing
hypoventilation?
Rales in bilateral lower lung fields
Blood pressure reading of 96/58
Respiratory rate of 8
Capillary refill is 3 seconds - Answer -Respiratory rate of 8
Which instruction would the nurse provide to help prevent atelectasis in a patient
recovering from abdominal surgery?
"Support the incision with a folded blanket and try to cough up some mucus."
"Take rapid, shallow breaths every hour to prevent pain."
"Lay flat to prevent coughing as it can cause the sutures to rupture."
"Avoid liquids as it will cause you to need to use the bathroom frequently." - Answer -
"Support the incision with a folded blanket and try to cough up some mucus."
Which action would the nurse perform when caring for a postoperative patient who is
hypertensive?
Administer an antipyretic.
Apply a continuous cardiac monitor.
Hold analgesics medications.
Assist in emptying the patient's bladder. - Answer -Assist in emptying the patient's
bladder.
Which priority treatment would the nurse anticipate for a patient who had abdominal
surgery with an estimated blood loss of 400 mL, received 300 mL of 0.9% normal
saline, and has a blood pressure of 70/48?
IV fluid administration
Blood administration
An ECG to check circulatory status
Return to surgery to check for internal bleeding - Answer -IV fluid administration
Which benefit would the nurse describe to a postoperative patient as the most important
reason for early ambulation in the postoperative period?
"It will help you be ready to go home."
"It keeps your legs limber and strong."
"It will help you be free from your pain."
, "It is the best way to prevent complications." - Answer -"It is the best way to prevent
complications."
What information would the PACU nurse expect to receive during the handoff report in
Phase I? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
Patient's allergies
Anesthetic agents
Last dose of opioid administration
Result of laboratory tests
Number of staff in the operating room - Answer -Patient's allergies
Anesthetic agents
Last dose of opioid administration
Result of laboratory tests
Which action would the nurse take first for a surgical patient postoperative day 1 who is
reporting severe pain?
Administer morphine.
Reposition to side lying.
Offer a backrub.
Apply an icepack. - Answer -Administer morphine.
Which question would the nurse ask to address motor and sensory function for a patient
who received regional anesthesia during foot surgery?
"Can you take a deep breath and cough?"
"Will you tell me your name"
"Can you wiggle your toes?"
"Are you feeling hungry?" - Answer -"Can you wiggle your toes?"
Which statement by a patient's family member indicates understanding of teaching
regarding postoperative delirium?
"This will be a permanent change in their memory."
"We will call the nurse if their lips turn blue."
"I will show them a calendar with today's date."
"They will need a cane when walking." - Answer -"I will show them a calendar with
today's date."
Which finding would be the best indicator of respiratory depression in a patient admitted
to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after abdominal surgery?
Increased carbon dioxide pressure
Increased respiratory rate
Decreased oxgyen saturation
Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) - Answer -Increased carbon
dioxide pressure
Which nursing action will help treat the problem of abdominal distention and gas pains
after abdominal surgery? Select all that apply.
Which condition would the nurse be concerned about for a postoperative patient who
has bronchial obstruction from retained secretions and an oxygen saturation of 87%?
Pulmonary embolism
Bronchospasm
Hypoventilation
Atelectasis - Answer -Atelectasis
Which assessment finding indicates that the postoperative patient is experiencing
hypoventilation?
Rales in bilateral lower lung fields
Blood pressure reading of 96/58
Respiratory rate of 8
Capillary refill is 3 seconds - Answer -Respiratory rate of 8
Which instruction would the nurse provide to help prevent atelectasis in a patient
recovering from abdominal surgery?
"Support the incision with a folded blanket and try to cough up some mucus."
"Take rapid, shallow breaths every hour to prevent pain."
"Lay flat to prevent coughing as it can cause the sutures to rupture."
"Avoid liquids as it will cause you to need to use the bathroom frequently." - Answer -
"Support the incision with a folded blanket and try to cough up some mucus."
Which action would the nurse perform when caring for a postoperative patient who is
hypertensive?
Administer an antipyretic.
Apply a continuous cardiac monitor.
Hold analgesics medications.
Assist in emptying the patient's bladder. - Answer -Assist in emptying the patient's
bladder.
Which priority treatment would the nurse anticipate for a patient who had abdominal
surgery with an estimated blood loss of 400 mL, received 300 mL of 0.9% normal
saline, and has a blood pressure of 70/48?
IV fluid administration
Blood administration
An ECG to check circulatory status
Return to surgery to check for internal bleeding - Answer -IV fluid administration
Which benefit would the nurse describe to a postoperative patient as the most important
reason for early ambulation in the postoperative period?
"It will help you be ready to go home."
"It keeps your legs limber and strong."
"It will help you be free from your pain."
, "It is the best way to prevent complications." - Answer -"It is the best way to prevent
complications."
What information would the PACU nurse expect to receive during the handoff report in
Phase I? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.
Patient's allergies
Anesthetic agents
Last dose of opioid administration
Result of laboratory tests
Number of staff in the operating room - Answer -Patient's allergies
Anesthetic agents
Last dose of opioid administration
Result of laboratory tests
Which action would the nurse take first for a surgical patient postoperative day 1 who is
reporting severe pain?
Administer morphine.
Reposition to side lying.
Offer a backrub.
Apply an icepack. - Answer -Administer morphine.
Which question would the nurse ask to address motor and sensory function for a patient
who received regional anesthesia during foot surgery?
"Can you take a deep breath and cough?"
"Will you tell me your name"
"Can you wiggle your toes?"
"Are you feeling hungry?" - Answer -"Can you wiggle your toes?"
Which statement by a patient's family member indicates understanding of teaching
regarding postoperative delirium?
"This will be a permanent change in their memory."
"We will call the nurse if their lips turn blue."
"I will show them a calendar with today's date."
"They will need a cane when walking." - Answer -"I will show them a calendar with
today's date."
Which finding would be the best indicator of respiratory depression in a patient admitted
to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after abdominal surgery?
Increased carbon dioxide pressure
Increased respiratory rate
Decreased oxgyen saturation
Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) - Answer -Increased carbon
dioxide pressure
Which nursing action will help treat the problem of abdominal distention and gas pains
after abdominal surgery? Select all that apply.
