During general surgery, a nurse observes tachycardia, muscle rigidity, respiratory acidosis, and hyperthermia in a patient. Which complication of surgery does the nurse suspect?
Surgical site infection
Hypercapnia
Malignant hyperthermia
Hypertensive crisis
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Surgical site infection is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place.
Choice B reason: Hypercapnia is the presence of higher-than-normal levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Choice C reason: Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic reaction to certain general anesthesia, characterized by hypermetabolism resulting in high body temperature, rigid muscles, and rapid heart rate.
Choice D reason: Hypertensive crisis is a severe elevation in blood pressure, often requiring immediate medical attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Vomiting can be a sign of a transfusion reaction, but it is not as specific as low back pain for an acute hemolytic reaction.
Choice B reason: Urticaria, or hives, may indicate an allergic reaction but is not specific to an acute hemolytic reaction.
Choice C reason: Low back pain is a classic symptom of an acute hemolytic reaction, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
Choice D reason: Pulmonary congestion may occur in various conditions and is not the most specific indicator of an acute hemolytic reaction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A urine output of 18 mL/hr is significantly lower than the normal range (typically around 0.5-1 mL/kg/hr), indicating possible renal hypoperfusion, an early sign of shock.
Choice B reason: While blood pressure is an important indicator, it may not drop until later stages of shock.
Choice C reason: Lethargy can be a sign of shock, but it is a more subjective and later symptom compared to the objective measure of urine output.
Choice D reason: An elevated pulse is a compensatory mechanism in shock, but it is not as specific an early indicator as a decrease in urine output.
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