A registered nurse in an outpatient surgical center is providing a client with essential information about discharge planning for home.
What details should the registered nurse include about transportation?
The client is prohibited from driving a car home.
No specific information is necessary.
If the client does not experience dizziness, they are permitted to drive a car.
Only individuals over the age of 25 may drive home.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Impaired cognitive and motor function:
Anesthesia and analgesic medications used during surgery can significantly impair cognitive and motor skills, even if the patient feels alert and capable. These effects can last for several hours or even days after the procedure, making it unsafe for the patient to drive.
Studies have shown that reaction time, judgment, coordination, and visual acuity can be significantly impaired following surgery, even in patients who report feeling normal.
Driving under the influence of these medications poses a serious risk of accidents and injuries, both to the patient and other road users.
Risk of postoperative complications:
Postoperative complications, such as bleeding, nausea, vomiting, pain, or dizziness, can occur unexpectedly and may require immediate attention.
Driving while experiencing these complications can be extremely dangerous and could delay necessary medical intervention.
It's crucial for the patient to have a responsible adult present to monitor their condition and seek medical assistance if needed. Legal and liability considerations:
Many healthcare facilities have strict policies prohibiting patients from driving after surgery due to liability concerns.
If a patient were to be involved in an accident while driving after surgery, the facility could be held liable for not ensuring the patient's safety and preventing them from driving.
Choice B rationale:
Inadequate guidance: Simply stating that no specific information is necessary fails to address the potential risks associated with driving after surgery.
Patient safety: It's the nurse's responsibility to provide clear and comprehensive discharge instructions that prioritize patient safety.
Omission of crucial information: Omitting information about transportation could lead to misunderstandings and potentially unsafe actions by the patient.
Choice C rationale:
Unreliable self-assessment: Relying on the patient's self-assessment of dizziness is not a reliable method to determine their fitness to drive.
Residual effects of medication: Patients may not fully perceive the subtle effects of anesthesia and medications on their cognitive and motor skills.
Potential for delayed impairment: Symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness could manifest later, even if the patient initially feels well.
Choice D rationale:
Age not a sole determinant: While age can be a factor in driving ability, it's not the sole determinant of fitness to drive after surgery.
Individual differences: Patients of any age can experience cognitive and motor impairment following surgery.
Oversimplification of risks: This choice inaccurately suggests that only individuals under 25 are at risk, potentially leading to unsafe decisions by older patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Immobility: A bed-bound client is at the highest risk for pressure ulcer development due to prolonged pressure on bony prominences. The lack of movement prevents adequate blood flow to the tissues, leading to ischemia and tissue breakdown.
Age: Older adults have thinner, more fragile skin that is more susceptible to injury. They also have decreased subcutaneous fat, which provides less cushioning for bony prominences.
Nutritional status: Malnutrition is a significant risk factor for pressure ulcers, as it impairs wound healing and tissue repair. Incontinence: Urinary and fecal incontinence can irritate the skin and increase the risk of breakdown.
Chronic medical conditions: Many chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and neurological disorders, can impair blood flow and sensation, further increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.
Choice B rationale:
Mobility: A client who uses a cane is still able to ambulate, which helps to redistribute pressure and reduce the risk of pressure ulcers.
Age: While a 75-year-old client is still considered an older adult, they are less likely to be at risk than a bed-bound client.
Choice C rationale:
Mobility: A client who uses a walker is able to ambulate, although their mobility may be limited. This still helps to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers compared to a bed-bound client.
Age: A 92-year-old client is at a higher risk due to their age, but their mobility helps to mitigate this risk. Choice D rationale:
Mobility: A mobile client is at the lowest risk for pressure ulcer development, as they are able to frequently reposition themselves and relieve pressure on bony prominences.
Age: While an 83-year-old client is still considered an older adult, their mobility significantly reduces their risk.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Pale, yellow urine: While pale yellow urine can be a symptom of a UTI, it is not specific enough and can be caused by other factors like dehydration or certain medications. Therefore, it is not a reliable indicator of a UTI in this case.
B. Cloudy urine: Cloudy urine is a more specific symptom of a UTI, as it can indicate the presence of white blood cells or bacteria in the urine. This finding, along with other symptoms, suggests a possible UTI.
C. Suprapubic pain: Suprapubic pain, which is pain felt above the pubic bone in the lower abdomen, is a common symptom of bladder infections, including UTIs. This finding is highly suggestive of a UTI in this client.
D. Temperature of 38.2 C (100.7 F): Although fever can be a symptom of a UTI, it is not always present and can be caused by other infections or conditions. Therefore, a single elevated temperature, without other supporting symptoms, is not conclusive for a UTI diagnosis.
E. Constant urge to urinate (dysuria): Dysuria, or a frequent and urgent need to urinate, is another common symptom of UTIs. This finding, along with cloudy urine and suprapubic pain, further strengthens the suspicion of a UTI in this client.
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