A patient who has returned to the surgical nursing unit from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is drowsy and requires verbal stimulation to remain aroused. The best position to maintain an airway for this patient is:

head of bed at 45 degrees with head and neck midline.

side lying.

supine.

head of bed at 30 degrees with head and neck midline.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Head of bed at 45 degrees with head and neck midline. Although the head of the bed at 45 degrees can be appropriate for some patients, it is not the best position to maintain a patent airway for a drowsy postoperative patient. This position can lead to airway obstruction, especially if the patient is drowsy.

B. Side lying. The side-lying position is the best choice for a patient who is drowsy and requires verbal stimulation to remain aroused. This position prevents aspiration and ensures that the airway remains patent by allowing any secretions or fluids to drain from the mouth. It is especially useful in the postoperative period to prevent airway obstruction.

C. Supine. The supine position is not ideal for a drowsy postoperative patient, as it can increase the risk of airway obstruction. The tongue may fall back and obstruct the airway, particularly if the patient is drowsy.

D. Head of bed at 30 degrees with head and neck midline. Although elevating the head of the bed at 30 degrees is common, it is not the best choice for a drowsy patient at risk for airway obstruction. Side-lying would be more effective in preventing aspiration and maintaining the airway.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

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

Explanation

A. Observe the amount of drainage from the surgical site. While the nurse in the PACU should monitor for complications, the primary focus is on the patient’s immediate recovery, such as airway management and vital signs. Drainage is important but is usually addressed once the patient is stable.

B. Assist the patient to maintain a patent airway. The primary role in the PACU is to monitor and maintain the patient’s airway. Ensuring that the patient is breathing properly is the most critical priority immediately postoperatively.

C. Keep the family posted on the patient's condition. While family communication is important, it is not the primary function of the nurse in the PACU, as the focus should be on monitoring the patient’s immediate condition post-surgery.

D. Maintain safety for the patient while unconscious. The nurse in the PACU must ensure that the patient is safe while unconscious, including monitoring for complications from anesthesia and ensuring that the patient’s vital signs remain stable.

E. Stimulate the patient to hasten return of consciousness. While it is important to help the patient regain consciousness, this should be done gently. The nurse should not aggressively stimulate the patient, as anesthesia will wear off naturally over time.

A. gather an emesis basin, tissues, and a small towel. B. lower the bed for easy transfer of the patient. C. place an IV pole at the head of the bed. D. fan fold the sheets on the near side of the bed. E. collect extra dressing supplies and place them on the bedside table.

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

Explanation

A. Gather an emesis basin, tissues, and a small towel. Nausea and vomiting are common postoperative effects; having supplies ready helps with patient comfort.

B. Lower the bed for easy transfer of the patient. Lowering the bed facilitates a safe and smooth transfer from the stretcher to the bed.

C. Place an IV pole at the head of the bed. The IV should be positioned for easy access and monitoring.

D. Fan fold the sheets on the near side of the bed. Fan folding the sheets makes it easier to transfer the patient into bed without unnecessary movement.

E. Collect extra dressing supplies and place them on the bedside table. Dressing supplies should be kept sterile and only opened when needed to prevent contamination.

View Question and Answer

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

A patient who has returned to the surgical nursing unit from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is drowsy and requires verbal stimulation to remain aroused. The best position to maintain an airway for this patient is:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After the surgery, the patient is transferred to the PACU. Functions of the nurse in the PACU are to

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

Explanation

The nurse preparing the surgical patient's room for the patient's return from the post anesthesia unit should: (Select all that apply.)

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

Explanation

General Anesthesia is when a nerve block such as a spinal, caudal, epidural, or peripheral block is administered.

The circulating nurse is responsible for:

The patient is to undergo breast implants following a total mastectomy. This surgery is classified as:

The nurse is assessing the surgical dressing of a patient who arrived on the unit an hour ago. The surgical dressing has serosanguineous drainage on the dressing. The nurse should:

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 2 days postoperative. The nurse auscultates bilateral breath sounds but absent breath sounds in the bases. The nurse should suspect which of the following postoperative complications?

A nurse is monitoring the urinary drainage from a patient who returned to the unit a few hours ago from the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) following a surgical procedure. The urine total is 54 mL for the last 2 hours. The most appropriate nursing action is to:

It is very important to monitor the surgical patient's urine output because

Which of the following is the definition to autologous