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 D

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Preparing the surgical instruments and equipment is one of the tasks that the CST performs, but it is not the only one. According to the Mayo Clinic, surgical technologists also assist during and after surgical procedures by passing tools, holding retractors, cutting suture, applying dressings, and counting materials. Therefore, choice A is incomplete and not the best answer.

Choice B reason:

Providing emotional support and education to the patient is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the registered nurse (RN) or the anesthesia care provider before the surgery. The CST does not interact with the patient directly, but rather focuses on preparing and maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room. Therefore, choice B is incorrect.

Choice C reason:

Monitoring the patient's vital signs and oxygen saturation is not a task that the CST performs. This is usually done by the anesthesia care provider or the perioperative nurse during the surgery. The CST does not monitor the patient's condition, but rather assists the surgeon and other members of the surgical team. Therefore, choice C is incorrect.

Choice D reason:

Applying sterile drapes and handing instruments to the surgeon are both tasks that the CST performs. According to WebMD, these are part of the intraoperative duties of the CST, along with keeping the operating room sterile, assisting in retracting tissues, and suctioning and sponging. Therefore, choice D is correct and covers two of the main tasks that the CST performs.

A. Use a standardized counting method and sequence for each procedure. B. Separate sponges into groups of five or ten and count them as one unit. C. Keep instruments and supplies on separate trays according to their function. D. Use a white board or paper to record the counts and update them as needed. E. Discard any unused items before the final count.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Using a standardized counting method and sequence for each procedure helps to ensure consistency and accuracy in the counting process. It also reduces the risk of confusion or miscommunication among the surgical team members. This is a recommended standard of practice by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)

Choice B reason:

Separating sponges into groups of five or ten and counting them as one unit helps to facilitate counting and prevent foreign body retention. It also allows for easier identification of missing sponges in case of an incorrect count. This is another recommended standard of practice by the AST.

Choice C reason:

Keeping instruments and supplies on separate trays according to their function does not necessarily facilitate counting or prevent foreign body retention. It may help to organize the surgical field, but it does not address the issue of counting or documenting the items used during the procedure. Therefore, this is not a correct answer.

Choice D reason:

Using a white board or paper to record the counts and update them as needed helps to facilitate counting and prevent foreign body retention. It provides a visual reference for the surgical team members and allows for easy verification of the counts at any time during the procedure. It also helps to document any discrepancies or changes in the counts. This is another recommended standard of practice by the AST.

Choice E reason:

Discarding any unused items before the final count does not facilitate counting or prevent foreign body retention. It may actually increase the risk of losing track of the items used during the procedure or leaving some items inside the patient. Therefore, this is not a correct answer.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is observing a certified surgical technologist (CST) during surgery. Which of the following are tasks that the CST performs?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with a surgical procedure that requires a large number of instruments and supplies. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use to facilitate counting and prevent foreign body retention? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]

Explanation

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