The nurse is educating a student on moderate/conscious sedation. Which of the following is a correct statement about moderate sedation?
Local aesthetics will be given to numb a specific area.
The patient will be given inhaled and IV medications to make them unconscious and an endotracheal tube will be inserted.
"Medications will be injected into the area of a major nerve to produce anesthesia in a region of the body
Medications will be given to reduce anxiety and pain with the patient still awake and able to protect their own airway
The Correct Answer is D
Moderate sedation (also called conscious sedation) involves the administration of medications (e.g., midazolam, fentanyl, or propofol) to reduce anxiety, pain, and awareness during procedures, while allowing the patient to:
- Remain awake but relaxed
- Respond to verbal commands
- Maintain their own airway without the need for intubation
It is commonly used for minor surgical procedures, endoscopies, and dental procedures.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Slow, shallow respirations and low heart rate:
Slow, shallow respirations and a low heart rate are not typical signs of postoperative hemorrhage. These signs might suggest respiratory or cardiac issues, but they are not specific to hemorrhage. In fact, hemorrhage is more likely to result in tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than bradycardia (low heart rate). Therefore, this finding is not indicative of post-operative hemorrhage.
B. Fever and flushed skin:
Fever and flushed skin are more commonly associated with infection rather than hemorrhage. After surgery, fever can be a sign of infection, particularly if it occurs 24-48 hours postoperatively. While infection can sometimes cause a rise in heart rate, it does not directly correlate with the symptoms of hemorrhage. Therefore, fever and flushed skin are not the most indicative of hemorrhage in the immediate postoperative phase.
C. Disorientation and confusion in an elderly patient:
Disorientation and confusion in the elderly post-operative patient can be concerning and may be caused by a variety of factors, such as medication side effects, electrolyte imbalances, or postoperative delirium. While confusion can occur with significant blood loss, it is not a primary indicator of hemorrhage. The signs of hemorrhage are more likely to include changes in vital signs, especially heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, while disorientation and confusion should be monitored, they are not the most definitive sign of hemorrhage.
D. Increasing heart rate and decreasing blood pressure:
Increasing heart rate (tachycardia) and decreasing blood pressure (hypotension) are classic signs of hemorrhage. When blood loss occurs, the body compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain cardiac output and attempting to constrict blood vessels. As hemorrhage progresses, blood volume decreases, which leads to a drop in blood pressure. This combination of tachycardia and hypotension is a key indicator of significant blood loss and requires immediate assessment and intervention. Therefore, this is the most indicative finding of postoperative hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) RBCs 4.3 million/µL:
While a low RBC count can indicate anemia, the specific value provided here is not suggestive of anemia, and it does not explain the patient's symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and dizziness as clearly as a low hemoglobin would.
B) Potassium 4.8 mEq/L:
This result is not concerning and does not directly relate to the patient's reported symptoms of pallor, fatigue, and dizziness. Therefore, this lab result does not take priority in planning care at this time.
C) Hemoglobin of 9 g/dl:
This result is consistent with anemia, which is a likely cause of the patient’s symptoms of fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pallor. Anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, explaining the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The priority action for the nurse should be to address the underlying cause of anemia and manage it to improve the patient’s oxygenation and overall condition.
D) Sodium 137 mEq/L:
Although sodium imbalances can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion or lethargy, the patient’s reported symptoms of pallor, fatigue, and dizziness are more likely related to anemia. Sodium is not the most urgent concern for this patient at the moment.
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