The OR nurse gives an SBAR to the PACU nurse. This verbal report should include which four statements?
Anesthetic agents and other drugs that were administered.
The patient’s relevant health history.
The name of the surgical procedure.
Estimated blood loss during surgery.
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D
Choice A: Anesthetic agents and other drugs that were administered
This is a correct answer. Including information about the anesthetic agents and other drugs administered during surgery is crucial for the PACU nurse. This information helps in monitoring the patient’s recovery from anesthesia and managing any potential side effects or complications. Knowing the specific drugs used allows the PACU nurse to anticipate and address issues such as pain management, nausea, and allergic reactions.
Choice B: The patient’s relevant health history
This is another correct answer. The patient’s relevant health history provides essential context for the PACU nurse. It includes information about chronic conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, and any other factors that might affect the patient’s recovery. Understanding the patient’s health history helps the PACU nurse to tailor post-operative care to the patient’s specific needs and to be vigilant for any complications that might arise due to pre-existing conditions.
Choice C: The name of the surgical procedure
This is also a correct answer. Knowing the specific surgical procedure performed is vital for the PACU nurse. It helps in understanding the expected post-operative course, potential complications, and specific care requirements. For example, the care for a patient who underwent a cardiac surgery will differ significantly from the care for a patient who had an orthopedic procedure.
Choice D: Estimated blood loss during surgery
This is the final correct answer. Reporting the estimated blood loss during surgery is important for the PACU nurse to assess the patient’s hemodynamic status and to plan for any necessary interventions. Significant blood loss may require monitoring for signs of hypovolemia, administering fluids or blood products, and closely watching vital signs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is True
Explanation
Choice A: True
The statement that a patient with alkalosis can develop hyperkalemia is generally incorrect. Alkalosis, which is a condition characterized by a higher-than-normal pH in the blood, typically leads to hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia. This occurs because alkalosis causes potassium to shift from the extracellular fluid into the cells, reducing the plasma potassium concentration. Therefore, it is uncommon for alkalosis to result in hyperkalemia.
Choice B: False
The correct answer is that a patient with alkalosis is unlikely to develop hyperkalemia. Alkalosis usually causes a decrease in plasma potassium levels, leading to hypokalemia. This is due to the movement of potassium ions into the cells in exchange for hydrogen ions, which are moved out of the cells to help buffer the increased pH. Consequently, the plasma potassium concentration drops, making hyperkalemia an unlikely outcome in the presence of alkalosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Assessing the operative site is important to monitor for signs of bleeding, infection, or other complications. However, it is not the most critical, high-priority assessment immediately after surgery. While the condition of the surgical site can provide valuable information about the patient’s recovery and potential complications, it does not take precedence over ensuring the patient’s airway is clear and they are breathing adequately. The operative site can be assessed once the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation are stable.
Choice B reason:
Airway assessment is the most critical, high-priority assessment in the PACU. Ensuring that the patient’s airway is clear and they are breathing properly is paramount because anesthesia can depress the central nervous system, leading to compromised airway patency and respiratory function. The primary goal in the immediate postoperative period is to ensure that the patient is ventilating adequately to prevent hypoxia and other respiratory complications. This involves checking for airway obstruction, monitoring respiratory rate, and ensuring that oxygen saturation levels are within normal ranges (typically 95-100% for healthy individuals). Any issues with the airway must be addressed immediately to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice C reason:
Assessing the pulse is crucial for monitoring the patient’s cardiovascular status, including heart rate and rhythm. This can help detect arrhythmias, hypovolemia, or other cardiovascular issues that may arise postoperatively. However, while important, it is secondary to ensuring that the patient’s airway is clear and they are breathing adequately. The pulse can be assessed once the airway and breathing are confirmed to be stable. Normal pulse rates for adults typically range from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Choice D reason:
Assessing skin integrity is important for identifying signs of pressure ulcers, infection, or other skin-related issues. However, this assessment is not the highest priority immediately after surgery. Ensuring the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation are stable takes precedence. Skin integrity can be assessed once the patient is stable and other critical assessments have been completed. Maintaining skin integrity is essential for overall patient care, but it does not supersede the need to ensure the patient is breathing properly and has a clear airway.
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