The circulating nurse notices that an incorrect sponge count has been reported by the scrub nurse during an abdominal surgery. What action should be taken by the circulating nurse?
Notify anesthesia personnel.
Notify surgeon immediately.
Notify risk management.
Notify operating room supervisor.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
This is the correct answer. This is to prevent the risk of leaving a foreign object inside the patient, which can cause serious complications such as infection, abscess, bowel obstruction, or perforation.
Choice B reason:
This is incorrect. Notifying anesthesia personnel is not the priority action when an incorrect sponge count is reported. Anesthesia personnel are not responsible for counting or searching for sponges, and they cannot intervene in the surgical procedure without the surgeon's consent. The surgeon is the one who needs to be informed first, as they have the authority and ability to search the wound and decide whether to continue or stop the surgery.
Choice C reason:
This is incorrect. Notifying risk management is not the priority action when an incorrect sponge count is reported. Risk management is a department that deals with identifying, assessing, and minimizing potential hazards in health care settings. While it is important to report any adverse events or errors to risk management, this should be done after ensuring the patient's safety and resolving the issue. The priority is to notify the surgeon and search for the missing sponge.
Choice D reason:
This is incorrect. Notifying operating room supervisor is not the priority action when an incorrect sponge count is reported. The operating room supervisor is a person who oversees the daily operations of the surgical suite, such as staffing, scheduling, equipment, and supplies. While they may be involved in addressing any problems or conflicts that arise in the OR, they are not directly responsible for counting or searching for sponges, and they cannot interfere with the surgical procedure without the surgeon's consent. The priority is to notify the surgeon and search for the missing sponge.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Wearing tight-fitting clothing or jewelry on the affected arm is not recommended, but it is not something to avoid completely. Tight-fitting clothing or jewelry can cause swelling (lymphedema) or infection in the arm, but wearing them for short periods of time may be acceptable. The client should be advised to wear loose-fitting clothing and jewelry most of the time and to monitor the arm for any signs of swelling, pain, or redness.
Choice B reason:
Elevating the affected arm above the level of the heart is not something to avoid, but rather something to do frequently. Elevating the arm can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow. The client should be instructed to elevate the arm several times a day for 15 to 30 minutes at a time.
Choice C reason:
Applying moisturizer or sunscreen to the affected arm is not something to avoid, but rather something to do regularly. Moisturizer can help prevent dryness and cracking of the skin, which can increase the risk of infection. Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sun damage, which can also increase the risk of infection and skin cancer. The client should be advised to apply moisturizer daily and sunscreen whenever exposed to the sun.
Choice D reason:
Having blood pressure or blood draws on the affected arm is something to avoid. This is because these procedures can cause injury or infection to the arm, which can lead to lymphedema or other complications. The client should be instructed to inform all health care providers that they had a mastectomy with lymph node dissection and to request that blood pressure or blood draws be done on the other arm or on another part of the body.
Choice E reason:
Performing range-of-motion exercises on the affected arm is not something to avoid, but rather something to do gradually and carefully. Range-of-motion exercises can help restore mobility and flexibility to the arm and prevent stiffness and contractures. The client should be instructed to start doing gentle exercises as soon as possible after surgery and to increase the intensity and duration as tolerated. The client may be referred to a physical therapist for additional guidance and support.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Double gloving is a recommended precaution for health care workers who are exposed to blood or body fluids of clients who have a positive HIV test result. Double gloving can reduce the risk of needlestick injuries and transmission of HIV or other bloodborne pathogens.
Choice B reason:
Placing instruments in closed containers at completion of surgery is not a specific precaution for clients who have a positive HIV test result. It is a standard practice for all surgical procedures to prevent contamination and infection. Placing instruments in closed containers does not protect the health care workers from exposure to blood or body fluids during surgery.
Choice C reason:
Wearing shoe covers in addition to personal protective equipment is not a specific precaution for clients who have a positive HIV test result. It is a standard practice for all surgical procedures to prevent contamination and infection. Wearing shoe covers does not protect the health care workers from exposure to blood or body fluids during surgery.
Choice D reason:
Using instruments only from specially marked trays is not a specific precaution for clients who have a positive HIV test result. It is a standard practice for all surgical procedures to prevent contamination and infection. Using instruments only from specially marked trays does not protect the health care workers from exposure to blood or body fluids during surgery.
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