A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following is a priority when completing an assessment preoperatively?
To determine understanding of the procedure
To establish the need for psychological support
To identify possible surgical risks
To recognize resources needed postoperatively
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Determining the client's understanding of the procedure is important as it ensures informed consent and can help alleviate anxiety. However, while this is a necessary part of preoperative care, it may not be the immediate priority¹.
Choice B reason:
Establishing the need for psychological support is a valuable aspect of holistic care. It addresses the client's emotional well-being and can improve overall satisfaction with the surgical experience. Nonetheless, it is not the primary focus of the preoperative assessment².
Choice C reason:
Identifying possible surgical risks is the priority in a preoperative assessment. This includes evaluating the client's medical history, current health status, and any factors that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. A thorough risk assessment is crucial for planning safe surgical care and for making decisions about proceeding with the surgery¹³.
Choice D reason:
Recognizing resources needed postoperatively is part of discharge planning and is essential for ensuring continuity of care. While it is an important consideration, it is not the immediate priority during the preoperative assessment².
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Positive Trousseau's sign
Trousseau's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not CTS. It is elicited by inflating a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm to above systolic pressure for 3 minutes. A positive sign is characterized by carpal spasm, which is not related to CTS.
Choice B reason: Cool extremities
Cool extremities can be a result of various conditions, including peripheral vascular disease or hypothyroidism. They are not a specific indicator of CTS, which primarily affects nerve function rather than blood circulation or temperature regulation.
Choice C reason: Decreased radial pulse
A decreased radial pulse is not typically associated with CTS. It may indicate a cardiovascular issue or a blockage in the radial artery, which would require further investigation unrelated to CTS.
Choice D reason: Positive Phalen's sign
Phalen's sign is a diagnostic test for CTS. The test is performed by having the patient flex their wrist maximally and hold the position for about 60 seconds. A positive Phalen's sign, which includes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and the radial half of the ring finger, is indicative of CTS. This occurs due to increased pressure on the median nerve when the wrist is in flexion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is used to detect latent TB infection but is not the most reliable for confirming active pulmonary TB. It can indicate if someone has been infected with TB bacteria, but it cannot differentiate between latent and active TB.
Choice B reason:
A sputum culture for acid-fast bacillus is the gold standard for diagnosing active pulmonary TB. It involves culturing a sample of sputum (phlegm) to see if TB bacteria grow, which confirms the diagnosis. This test is the most definitive and reliable method, although it may take several weeks to obtain results.
Choice C reason:
A sputum smear can detect TB bacteria in sputum samples quickly, but it is less sensitive than a culture. It can miss cases, especially if the bacterial load is low. Therefore, while useful for initial screening, it is not as reliable as a culture for confirming active TB.
Choice D reason:
A chest x-ray can show signs suggestive of TB, such as infiltrates or cavities in the lungs, but it cannot confirm the presence of TB bacteria. It is a supportive diagnostic tool but not definitive for active TB diagnosis.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.