The nurse interviews a patient scheduled to undergo general anesthesia for a bilateral hernia repair. Which information is most important to communicate to the surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery?
The patient drank 4 ounces of apple juice 6 hours before coming to the hospital.
The patient drinks 3 cups of coffee every day.
The patient's father died after general anesthesia for abdominal surgery.
The patient stopped taking aspirin 10 days ago.
The Correct Answer is C
C. This information is important to communicate to the surgical and anesthesia team as it indicates a potential family history of adverse reactions to anesthesia. Family history of anesthesia-related complications, especially in close relatives, can influence the anesthetic plan and help mitigate potential risks during surgery.
A. Clear fluids, such as apple juice, are typically allowed up to 2 hours before surgery, but the specific fasting instructions may vary depending on the institution's protocol and the type of surgery planned.
B. This information provides insight into the patient's caffeine consumption habits but it is not typically considered a critical factor to communicate to the surgical and anesthesia team before surgery.
D. Knowing the duration of aspirin cessation allows the anesthesia team to assess the patient's coagulation status and adjust the perioperative management accordingly. However, it does not present immediate risks as significant as a family history of anesthetic complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. The patient's calf being swollen and warm to touch is concerning for a possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot formation in the deep veins of the leg. DVT is a serious complication post-surgery that requires immediate attention to prevent the clot from dislodging and causing a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.
A. Abdominal pain after a total abdominal hysterectomy is common and can be expected due to the surgical incision and manipulation of abdominal tissues.
B. Fluid balance is important postoperatively to prevent complications like dehydration or fluid overload. A significant imbalance, with intake substantially greater than output, could indicate issues which may require intervention. However, this is not as urgent as a client with likely DVT.
D. A slight increase in temperature is common in the immediate postoperative period due to the body's response to tissue injury. While it could indicate infection, it's not necessarily alarming on its own.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Repositioning the client regularly is an important intervention to prevent pressure ulcers and pressure points, especially when the client is immobilized in traction. Repositioning helps distribute pressure evenly on different areas of the body, reducing the risk of tissue ischemia and pressure-related injuries around the edges of the splint.
A. Lotions or moisturizers can increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection, especially when applied under medical devices such as splints or casts.
C. Removing the weights for a few minutes each hour is not necessary to prevent pressure points around the edges of the splint. Balanced skeletal traction is typically applied to maintain continuous traction force on the fractured femur for therapeutic purposes.
D. Applying a foot plate to the bed is not directly related to preventing pressure points around the edges of the splint. Foot plates are typically used to prevent foot drop and maintain proper alignment of the foot and ankle joints.
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