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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

General anesthesia involves the administration of inhaled or intravenous agents that induce unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Nerve blocks (spinal, caudal, epidural, and peripheral blocks) are forms of regional anesthesia, not general anesthesia.

A. change the surgical dressing immediately to prevent infection. B. outline the area of drainage with a pen and mark it with the date and time. C. make a note of the drainage on the worksheet to report it at the end of shift. D. reinforce the dressing with clean gauze sponges and tape.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Change the surgical dressing immediately to prevent infection. Changing the dressing immediately is unnecessary unless there is a significant issue, such as excessive drainage or signs of infection. Minor drainage can be observed unless there's a need for further intervention.

B. Outline the area of drainage with a pen and mark it with the date and time. This is the correct action to monitor the drainage over time. By marking the area, the nurse can track whether the drainage increases, stays the same, or decreases, which helps in assessing the wound’s status and effectiveness of the surgical dressing.

C. Make a note of the drainage on the worksheet to report it at the end of shift. While documentation is important, it is essential to monitor the drainage immediately after the initial assessment rather than waiting until the end of the shift.

D. Reinforce the dressing with clean gauze sponges and tape. Reinforcing the dressing may be appropriate if drainage is increasing or if the dressing is inadequate, but marking the area first is necessary for accurate tracking.

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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

General Anesthesia is when a nerve block such as a spinal, caudal, epidural, or peripheral block is administered. (Write True or False)

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When the transport person comes to take the patient to surgery, it is most important that the nurse

The circulating nurse is responsible for:

A similarity of roles for the scrub person and the circulating nurse is that they both:

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

What is the meaning of the following term: perioperative care

A nurse preparing to get a patient out of bed for the first time since surgery will initially:

The nurse explains that the informed surgical consent form should include information relative to: (Select all that apply.)

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