NSG 3250 Exam 2 Complete Test Bank
200 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers | Adult Health I –
Galen College | A+ Graded
Domain: Perioperative & Postoperative Care (Questions 130)
1. A patient is scheduled for surgery and reports taking herbal supplements daily. Which supplement
should the nurse be most concerned about due to increased bleeding risk?
A) Echinacea
B) Garlic
C) St. John's Wort
D) Valerian root
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Garlic has antiplatelet properties and can increase the risk of bleeding during and after
surgery. Echinacea can affect the immune system, St. John's Wort affects anesthesia metabolism, and
Valerian root can increase sedation effects. All herbal supplements should be reviewed preoperatively.
2. A patient is in the preoperative holding area and asks, "Why do I need to have an empty stomach
before surgery?" What is the nurse's best response?
A) "It helps prevent constipation after surgery."
B) "It reduces the risk of vomiting and aspiration during anesthesia."
C) "It ensures your blood sugar stays stable."
D) "It allows the surgeon to see your organs more clearly."
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The primary reason for NPO status before surgery is to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric
contents during anesthesia induction and emergence. Aspiration can lead to serious complications
including pneumonia.
3. A patient is transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after surgery. What is the priority
nursing assessment?
A) Pain level
B) Surgical incision
C) Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)
D) Intake and output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority in the PACU is maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Airway
obstruction, respiratory depression, and hemodynamic instability are the most immediate threats in the
immediate postoperative period.
4. A patient who had abdominal surgery 2 hours ago is reporting nausea and vomiting. What is the
priority nursing action?
A) Administer an antiemetic as prescribed
B) Turn the patient to the side and protect the airway
C) Offer clear liquids
D) Apply a cool compress to the forehead
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The priority is to turn the patient to the side to prevent aspiration and protect the airway.
After ensuring airway safety, an antiemetic can be administered as prescribed.
5. Which postoperative complication is characterized by a sudden onset of chest pain, dyspnea, and
hemoptysis?
A) Atelectasis
B) Pulmonary embolism
C) Pneumonia
D) Wound dehiscence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with sudden chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, and
hemoptysis. It is a lifethreatening complication that requires immediate intervention. Atelectasis
presents with lowgrade fever and crackles, pneumonia develops more gradually, and wound dehiscence
involves the surgical site.
6. A patient is 24 hours postoperative from a hip replacement. Which finding would be most concerning
for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A) Mild ankle swelling
B) Pain in the calf with dorsiflexion of the foot
C) Incisional pain rated 4/10
D) Bruising around the surgical site
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Pain in the calf with dorsiflexion of the foot (Homans' sign) is a classic finding associated with
DVT, though not always present or reliable. Unilateral leg swelling, warmth, and erythema are also
concerning signs that require further assessment.
7. A patient is 6 hours postoperative and has not voided. The nurse assesses the bladder and finds it
distended. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Encourage the patient to drink more fluids
B) Catheterize the patient immediately
C) Assess for urinary retention and implement interventions to promote voiding
D) Apply a warm compress to the abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Urinary retention is a common postoperative complication. The nurse should assess for
bladder distention, implement interventions to promote voiding (running water, privacy, warm
compress), and if unsuccessful, prepare for catheterization as ordered.
8. Which postoperative patient is at highest risk for developing a pressure injury?
A) A patient who is ambulating with assistance
B) A patient who is immobile and has decreased sensation
C) A patient who is eating a regular diet
D) A patient who is receiving IV fluids
Correct Answer: B
200 Practice Questions & Detailed Answers | Adult Health I –
Galen College | A+ Graded
Domain: Perioperative & Postoperative Care (Questions 130)
1. A patient is scheduled for surgery and reports taking herbal supplements daily. Which supplement
should the nurse be most concerned about due to increased bleeding risk?
A) Echinacea
B) Garlic
C) St. John's Wort
D) Valerian root
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Garlic has antiplatelet properties and can increase the risk of bleeding during and after
surgery. Echinacea can affect the immune system, St. John's Wort affects anesthesia metabolism, and
Valerian root can increase sedation effects. All herbal supplements should be reviewed preoperatively.
2. A patient is in the preoperative holding area and asks, "Why do I need to have an empty stomach
before surgery?" What is the nurse's best response?
A) "It helps prevent constipation after surgery."
B) "It reduces the risk of vomiting and aspiration during anesthesia."
C) "It ensures your blood sugar stays stable."
D) "It allows the surgeon to see your organs more clearly."
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The primary reason for NPO status before surgery is to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric
contents during anesthesia induction and emergence. Aspiration can lead to serious complications
including pneumonia.
3. A patient is transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after surgery. What is the priority
nursing assessment?
A) Pain level
B) Surgical incision
C) Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)
D) Intake and output
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority in the PACU is maintaining airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Airway
obstruction, respiratory depression, and hemodynamic instability are the most immediate threats in the
immediate postoperative period.
4. A patient who had abdominal surgery 2 hours ago is reporting nausea and vomiting. What is the
priority nursing action?
A) Administer an antiemetic as prescribed
B) Turn the patient to the side and protect the airway
C) Offer clear liquids
D) Apply a cool compress to the forehead
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The priority is to turn the patient to the side to prevent aspiration and protect the airway.
After ensuring airway safety, an antiemetic can be administered as prescribed.
5. Which postoperative complication is characterized by a sudden onset of chest pain, dyspnea, and
hemoptysis?
A) Atelectasis
B) Pulmonary embolism
C) Pneumonia
D) Wound dehiscence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with sudden chest pain, dyspnea, tachypnea, and
hemoptysis. It is a lifethreatening complication that requires immediate intervention. Atelectasis
presents with lowgrade fever and crackles, pneumonia develops more gradually, and wound dehiscence
involves the surgical site.
6. A patient is 24 hours postoperative from a hip replacement. Which finding would be most concerning
for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A) Mild ankle swelling
B) Pain in the calf with dorsiflexion of the foot
C) Incisional pain rated 4/10
D) Bruising around the surgical site
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Pain in the calf with dorsiflexion of the foot (Homans' sign) is a classic finding associated with
DVT, though not always present or reliable. Unilateral leg swelling, warmth, and erythema are also
concerning signs that require further assessment.
7. A patient is 6 hours postoperative and has not voided. The nurse assesses the bladder and finds it
distended. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Encourage the patient to drink more fluids
B) Catheterize the patient immediately
C) Assess for urinary retention and implement interventions to promote voiding
D) Apply a warm compress to the abdomen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Urinary retention is a common postoperative complication. The nurse should assess for
bladder distention, implement interventions to promote voiding (running water, privacy, warm
compress), and if unsuccessful, prepare for catheterization as ordered.
8. Which postoperative patient is at highest risk for developing a pressure injury?
A) A patient who is ambulating with assistance
B) A patient who is immobile and has decreased sensation
C) A patient who is eating a regular diet
D) A patient who is receiving IV fluids
Correct Answer: B
