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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. To relieve pain or complication without caring: This definition does not align with the meaning of "autologous." It is not related to relieving pain or complications.
B. Voluntary: "Voluntary" refers to an action taken by choice, but this is not the definition of "autologous."
C. Own, originating within an individual: "Autologous" refers to something that originates from the same individual. For example, autologous blood donation means the patient donates their own blood for later use.
D. Artificial body part: An artificial body part refers to a prosthesis, not something autologous. Autologous refers to the self, such as autologous tissue or stem cells.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. List the patient off the unit on the computer. Listing the patient off the unit in the computer is important for tracking, but this is not the most immediate priority when transporting the patient. Verifying the patient's identity is more crucial to prevent errors in patient care.
B. Tell the family how to get to the surgical waiting room. While it is helpful to guide the family to the surgical waiting room, the nurse's primary responsibility when the transport person arrives is to ensure the patient is correctly identified and safely transferred.
C. Assist with the transfer of the patient to the stretcher. Assisting with the transfer is important for patient safety, but the most important step is verifying the patient's identity to ensure the correct procedure is being performed.
D. Verify the patient's ID number with the medical record and transport slip. The most important task when the transport person arrives is to verify the patient's identity to prevent errors. The nurse must confirm the patient’s identity by checking the ID number against the medical record and transport slip before the patient is transferred to avoid any mistakes.
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