Medical surgical nursing, 10th Edition : assessment and management of clinical problems

A patient scheduled for an elective hysterectomy tells the nurse, “I am afraid that I will die in surgery like my mother did!” Which initial response by the nurse is appropriate? a. “Surgical techniques have improved in recent years.” b. c. “You will receive medication to reduce your anxiety.” d. “You should talk to the doctor again about the surgery.” ANS: B The patient’s statement may indicate an unusually high anxiety level or a family history of problems such as ...

The nurse notes a serum calcium level of 7.9 mg/dL for a patient who has chronic malnutrition. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Monitor ionized calcium level. b. Give oral calcium citrate tablets. c. Check parathyroid hormone level. d. Administer vitamin D supplements. This patient with chronic malnutrition is likely to have a low serum albumin level, which will affect the total serum calcium...

The nurse assesses a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma who is receiving an infusion of rituximab (Rituxan). Which assessment finding would require the most rapid action by the nurse? a. Shortness of breath b. Shivering and chills c. Muscle aches and pains d. Temperature of 100.2° F (37.9° C) Rituximab (Rituxan) is a monoclonal antibody. Shortness of breath should be investigated rapidly because anaphylaxis...

A patient who has not had any prior surgeries tells the nurse doing the preoperative assessment about allergies to avocados and bananas. Which action is most important for the nurse to take? a. Notify the dietitian about the specific food allergies. b. Alert the surgery center about a possible latex allergy. c. Reassure the patient that all allergies are noted on the health record. d. Ask whether the patient uses antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions. Certain food allergies (e.g...