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:
While the white blood cell (WBC) count is important in assessing the immune system's ability to fight infection, a WBC of 5,000/mm³ is within the normal range (4,500 to 11,000 WBCs/mm³). Therefore, it is not the most critical value for a nurse to prioritize in the care of an HIV patient.
Choice B reason:
A platelet count of 150,000/mm³ is also within the normal range (150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mm³). Although thrombocytopenia can occur in HIV, this value does not indicate an immediate concern for the nurse to prioritize.
Choice C reason:
A positive Western blot test confirms the presence of HIV antibodies, which is indicative of HIV infection. However, this is a diagnostic result rather than a laboratory value that reflects the current status of the patient's immune function or disease progression.
Choice D reason:
The CD4-T-cell count is a critical laboratory value for assessing the immune function of a patient with HIV. A count of 180 cells/mm³ is below the normal range of 500 to 1,200 cells/mm³ and indicates a significantly weakened immune system, placing the patient at risk for opportunistic infections. This value is a priority as it guides treatment decisions and the need for prophylaxis against opportunistic infections.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug that can be used to treat and prevent seizures. Headache and restlessness could be signs of neurological irritation or an impending seizure, which phenytoin can help to manage. It is important to monitor the client's neurological status closely following hemodialysis, as changes in electrolyte balance can affect neuronal activity.
Choice B reason:
Decreased blood pressure and rapid pulse are not typical indications for administering phenytoin. These symptoms could indicate hypovolemia or other cardiovascular issues that may occur after hemodialysis, which would require different interventions.
Choice C reason:
Muscle cramps and chest heaviness are not indications for phenytoin administration. Muscle cramps can be a common side effect of hemodialysis due to electrolyte shifts, and chest heaviness may indicate cardiovascular strain or other complications.
Choice D reason:
Pain and tingling at the access site are typically related to the vascular access itself and are not treated with phenytoin. These symptoms may require assessment for potential complications such as infection or thrombosis at the access site.
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.