A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery in the supine position. What is the rationale for this position?

It allows optimal exposure of the abdominal cavity.

It prevents injury to the spinal cord and nerves.

It facilitates drainage of secretions from the mouth and throat.

It enhances circulation and oxygenation to the brain.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

This is incorrect because the supine position does not allow optimal exposure of the abdominal cavity. The supine position is used for surgeries involving the anterior surface of the body, such as cardiac, thoracic, and cranial surgeries. For abdominal surgeries, other positions such as Trendelenburg or lithotomy may be used to improve access and visualization of the abdominal organs.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect because the supine position does not prevent injury to the spinal cord and nerves. In fact, the supine position may cause nerve damage or pressure ulcers if the patient's arms, legs, and head are not properly supported and padded. The patient's arms should be abducted less than 90 degrees and the palms should face up to avoid stretching or compressing the brachial plexus and ulnar nerves. The patient's legs should be uncrossed and the heels should be padded to prevent pressure on the peroneal nerve and the skin. The patient's head should rest on a pad or pillow and the neck should be in a neutral position to avoid injury to the cervical spine and nerves.

Choice C reason:

This is correct because the supine position facilitates drainage of secretions from the mouth and throat. The supine position is commonly used during induction and emergence of anesthesia, which can impair the patient's ability to clear their airway. By lying on their back with their face up, the patient can benefit from gravity-assisted drainage of secretions from the mouth and throat, reducing the risk of aspiration or airway obstruction.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect because the supine position does not enhance circulation and oxygenation to the brain. The supine position may actually decrease the functional residual capacity (FRC) of the lungs, which is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a normal expiration. This can lead to reduced oxygenation and ventilation of the blood. Additionally, the supine position may cause venous congestion in the head and neck, which can impair cerebral perfusion and increase intracranial pressure. To enhance circulation and oxygenation to the brain, other positions such as reverse Trendelenburg or sitting may be used.

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Correct Answer is ["C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Assisting with surgical procedures is not a function of the circulating nurse, but of the scrub nurse or the surgical assistant. The circulating nurse is responsible for coordinating the care of the patient in the operating room and ensuring a safe environment.

Choice B reason:

Counting instruments and sponges is a function of both the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse. They work together to ensure that no foreign objects are left inside the patient or on the sterile field.

Choice C reason:

Documenting events and interventions is a function of the circulating nurse. The circulating nurse records all relevant information about the patient's condition, the surgical procedure, the anesthesia administration, and any specimens collected.

Choice D reason:

Administering anesthesia and monitoring vital signs is not a function of the circulating nurse, but of the anesthesia care provider (ACP) The ACP is responsible for assessing the patient's health status, selecting and administering the appropriate anesthetic agent, and monitoring the patient's response to anesthesia.

Choice E reason:

Maintaining surgical asepsis and sterile technique is a function of both the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse. The scrub nurse maintains a sterile field by wearing sterile attire, handling sterile instruments and supplies, and preventing contamination. The circulating nurse maintains asepsis by monitoring the sterile field, checking for breaks in technique, and obtaining additional items as needed.

A. Compress the drain reservoir before closing the wound. B. Secure the drain tubing to the patient's skin with tape. C. Empty the drain reservoir when it is half full and measure the output. D. Flush the drain tubing with saline solution every 4 hours.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Compressing the drain reservoir before closing the wound creates a vacuum that helps to suction out the fluid from the wound and prevent infection. This is a common practice for bulb-type drains that apply gentle suction.

Choice B reason:

Securing the drain tubing to the patient's skin with tape is not necessary and may cause skin irritation or damage. The drain tubing can be attached to the patient's clothes with a safety pin or secured near the bandage.

Choice C reason:

Emptying the drain reservoir when it is half full and measuring the output is part of the drain care at home, not during the surgical procedure. The patient or caregiver should empty the drain 2 to 3 times a day (or more), depending on the amount of output, and record it in a chart.

Choice D reason:

Flushing the drain tubing with saline solution every 4 hours is not recommended and may introduce infection or clog the tubing. The tubing should be kept clear by squeezing or "milking”. it occasionally to prevent clots from forming. : Instructions for Surgical Drain Care - Cleveland Clinic : How to Care for Your Surgical Drain at Home - Verywell Health : Surgical Drain Care: Care Instructions | Kaiser Permanente.

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A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery in the supine position. What is the rationale for this position?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the roles of the intraoperative team members. Which of the following are functions of the circulating nurse? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["C"]

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with a surgical procedure that involves placing a drain in the wound. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to ensure proper functioning of the drain?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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