The surgeon's preoperative assessment of a patient has identified that the patient is at a
high risk for venous thromboembolism. Once the patient is admitted to the postsurgical
unit, what intervention should the nurse prioritize to reduce the patient's risk of
developing this complication?
a) Maintain the head of the bed at 45 degrees or higher.
b) Encourage early ambulation.
c) Perform passive range-of-motion exercises every 8 hours.
d) Encourage oral fluid intake. - ANSWER Encourage early ambulation.
At which time does the nurse realize that it is best to begin teaching about care needed
during the postoperative period?
a) At the time of discharge instructions
b) During the preoperative period
c) Upon arrival to the surgical unit
d) Following the surgical procedure - ANSWER During the preoperative period
A surgical patient has just been admitted to the unit from PACU with patient-controlled
analgesia (PCA). The nurse should know that the requirements for safe and effective
use of PCA include what?
a) An understanding of how to adjust the medication dosage
b) A caregiver who can administer the medication as ordered
c) A clear understanding of the need to self-dose
d) An expectation of infrequent need for analgesia - ANSWER A clear understanding of
the need to self-dose
A nurse is witnessing a patient sign the consent form for surgery. After the patient signs
the consent form, the patient starts asking questions regarding the risks and benefits of
a surgical procedure. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
a) Place the consent form in the patient's medical record.
b) Request that the surgeon come and ANSWER the questions.
c) ANSWER the patient's questions.
d) Notify the nurse manager of the patient's questions. - ANSWER Request that the
surgeon come and ANSWER the questions.
Fentanyl (Sublimaze) is categorized as which type of intravenous anesthetic agent?
, a) Tranquilizer
b) Opioid
c) Dissociative agent
d) Neuroleptanalgesic - ANSWER Opioid
The nurse is caring for a patient on the medical-surgical unit postoperative day 5. During
each patient assessment, the nurse evaluates the patient for infection. Which of the
following would be most indicative of infection?
a) Rectal temperature of 99.5ºF (37.5ºC)
b) Red, warm, tender incision
c) Presence of an indwelling urinary catheter
d) White blood cell (WBC) count of 8,000/mL - ANSWER Red, warm, tender incision
A patient refuses to remove her wedding band when preparing for surgery. What is the
best action for the nurse to take?
a) Discuss the risk for infection caused by wearing the ring.
b) Notify the surgeon to cancel surgery.
c) Allow the ring to stay on the patient and cover it with tape.
d) Remove the ring once the patient is sedated. - ANSWER Allow the ring to stay on the
patient and cover it with tape.
The nurse admits a patient to the PACU with a blood pressure of 132/90 mm Hg and a
pulse of 68 beats per minute. After 30 minutes, the patient's blood pressure is 94/47 mm
Hg, and the pulse is 110. The nurse documents that the patient's skin is cold, moist, and
pale. Of what is the patient showing signs?
a) Malignant hyperthermia
b) Neurogenic shock
c) Hypothermia
d) Hypovolemic shock - ANSWER Hypovolemic shock
An OR nurse is teaching a nursing student about the principles of surgical asepsis as a
requirement in the restricted zone of the operating suite. What personal protective
equipment should the nurse wear at all times in the restricted zone of the OR?
a) Reusable shoe covers
b) Mask covering the nose and mouth
c) Gloves