Chapter 05: Care of Postoperative Patients

Chapter 05: Care of Postoperative Patients

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse determines that the patient’s Aldrete score is 9. Which statement correctly describes the meaning of this score?

a.	The patient is at an increased risk for postoperative respiratory complications.
b.	The patient’s condition warrants close monitoring.
c.	The patient is experiencing severe pain.
d.	The patient will soon be transferred to the postoperative unit.

 

 

ANS:  D

The Aldrete scoring system is a method of determining readiness for a surgery patient to be transferred from PACU to the postoperative unit. Scores are given for activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, skin color, and oxygen saturation. A score of 9 or 10 indicates readiness for transfer.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   81

OBJ:   5 (clinical)      TOP:   Immediate Postoperative Care

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

2. The nurse is caring for a patient recovering in the PACU. The patient awakens confused and disoriented. What action should the nurse take first?

a.	Take the patient’s vital signs.
b.	Encourage the patient to return to sleep.
c.	Reorient and reassure the patient.
d.	Document that the patient is awake and disoriented.

 

 

ANS:  C

The patient should be reoriented and assured when awaking from anesthesia.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   81

OBJ:   1 (theory)       TOP:   Immediate Postoperative Care

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

3. The PACU nurse is caring for a semiconscious patient immediately following abdominal surgery. The nurse correctly places the patient in which position?

a.	Supine
b.	Semi-Fowler
c.	Lateral
d.	Trendelenburg

 

 

ANS:  C

Aspiration is a high-risk complication during this phase of recovery and can best be prevented by placing the unconscious or semiconscious patient on the side with head turned to the side.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   83

OBJ:   6 (clinical)      TOP:   Immediate Postoperative Care

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

 

4. The PACU nurse is caring for an unconscious patient. Assessment reveals diminished breath sounds bilaterally. Which action should the nurse take?

a.	Hyperventilate the patient with an Ambu bag.
b.	Increase bi-nasal oxygen to 3 L/min.
c.	Elevate the head of bed 45 degrees.
d.	Document “diminished breath sounds in both lower lobes.”

 

 

ANS:  D

Mild atelectasis is an expected sign after anesthesia for the first 48 hours after surgery. This finding is considered a normal finding while the patient is in the PACU and would require no further intervention unless other signs and symptoms, such as decreased oxygen saturation, were present.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   83, 91

OBJ:   4 (theory)       TOP:   Immediate Postoperative Care

KEY:  Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation