A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?
Surgical site
Respiratory Status
Level of consciousness
Pain level
The Correct Answer is B
B. This is often the nurse's top priority in the PACU. Anesthesia can depress respiratory function, leading to hypoventilation or airway obstruction. The nurse assesses respiratory rate, effort, oxygen saturation, and auscultates breath sounds to ensure adequate ventilation. Addressing any respiratory compromise promptly is crucial to prevent hypoxia or respiratory arrest.
A Assessing the surgical site is important to monitor for bleeding, infection, or any other complications related to the procedure. However, immediately after surgery, other assessments take precedence over this unless there is a specific concern like excessive bleeding or signs of infection.
C. Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is vital to detect any signs of neurological complications or delayed emergence from anesthesia. The nurse assesses orientation, responsiveness, and neurological signs to ensure the client is awakening appropriately from anesthesia.
D. Assessing pain is important as clients may experience discomfort after surgery. Pain can also affect respiratory function and overall recovery. However, it is typically assessed after ensuring respiratory status and consciousness are stable, as uncontrolled pain can be managed once immediate physiological concerns are addressed.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. The nurse should ensure that the client understands how to use the PCA device, including how to press the button to deliver a dose, the lockout interval (if applicable), and any safety features. Proper education empowers the client to manage their pain effectively while minimizing risks.
A The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory rate, depth, and effort more frequently than every 4 hours, particularly during the first 24 hours of PCA use
B. Family members should be educated on the purpose of the PCA device but should not be encouraged to operate it on behalf of the client.
C. The nurse should not administer an oral opioid for breakthrough pain as the client is already receiving morphine via PCA. Adjusting the PCA settings or providing additional IV opioid doses are more appropriate interventions for managing breakthrough pain in this context.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Monitoring urine output is crucial in the early postoperative period after a kidney transplant to assess kidney function and ensure adequate perfusion.
A Managing pain is important, but the administration of opioids should be carefully considered due to their potential to mask symptoms and side effects that could be critical in the postoperative period.
B. While electrolyte imbalances are important to monitor, hypokalemia specifically is not typically associated with acute rejection in the early postoperative period.
D. Blood pressure monitoring every 8 hours may not be sufficient in the immediate postoperative period, especially given the potential for fluid shifts and changes in hemodynamic status.
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