What information would be important for the nurse to reinforce when teaching a pre-operative client about the correct use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device to achieve the best outcome?

“Try to go as long as possible before you press the button.”

“Instruct your family or visitors to press the button for you when you are sleeping.”

“Push the button every 15 minutes whether you feel pain at that time or not.”

“Push the button when you begin to feel pain, instead of waiting until the pain becomes worse.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

Telling the patient to “try to go as long as possible before you press the button” is not advisable. PCA devices are designed to allow patients to manage their pain effectively by administering medication as soon as they begin to feel discomfort. Delaying the use of the PCA can lead to uncontrolled pain, which can be more difficult to manage later.

Choice B reason:

“Instruct your family or visitors to press the button for you when you are sleeping” is incorrect and potentially dangerous. Only the patient should press the PCA button to ensure that they are receiving the medication when they actually need it. Allowing others to press the button can lead to overmedication and serious side effects.

Choice C reason:

“Push the button every 15 minutes whether you feel pain at that time or not” is also incorrect. PCA devices are intended to be used on an as-needed basis. Pressing the button at regular intervals without experiencing pain can result in unnecessary medication administration and potential overdose.

Choice D reason:

“Push the button when you begin to feel pain, instead of waiting until the pain becomes worse” is the correct instruction. This approach helps to manage pain more effectively by preventing it from becoming severe. Early intervention with pain management can lead to better overall outcomes and patient comfort.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, can occur as a side effect of some anesthetic agents, particularly those that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system. However, it is not the most common or severe adverse effect associated with anesthesia.

Choice B reason: Decreased respirations, or respiratory depression, is a known side effect of many anesthetic agents, especially opioids and sedatives used during anesthesia. While significant, it is typically managed with careful monitoring and supportive measures.

Choice C reason: Malignant hyperthermia is a rare but life-threatening reaction to certain anesthetic agents, such as succinylcholine and volatile anesthetics. It is characterized by a rapid increase in body temperature and severe muscle contractions. Immediate treatment with dantrolene and supportive measures are crucial to manage this condition.

Choice D reason: Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not commonly associated with anesthetic agents. It is more often related to other medical conditions or treatments, such as diuretic use or gastrointestinal losses.

A. Hemoglobin, 8.0 g/dL B. Serum creatinine, 0.8 mg/dL C. Platelets, 210,000/mm³ D. Sodium, 144 mEq/L

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Hemoglobin, 8.0 g/dL: Hemoglobin is a critical component of red blood cells, responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Normal hemoglobin levels typically range from 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women1. A level of 8.0 g/dL is significantly below the normal range, indicating anemia. Severe anemia can increase the risk of perioperative complications, including poor wound healing, increased risk of infection, and cardiovascular stress. Therefore, this result should be reported to the surgeon as it may necessitate postponing the surgery until the anemia is addressed.

Choice B reason:

Serum creatinine, 0.8 mg/dL: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles and filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Normal serum creatinine levels range from 0.74 to 1.35 mg/dL for men and 0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL for women. A level of 0.8 mg/dL falls within the normal range, indicating normal kidney function. Therefore, this result would not typically cause surgery to be postponed.

Choice C reason:

Platelets, 210,000/mm³: Platelets are essential for blood clotting. Normal platelet counts range from 150,000 to 400,000/mm³. A count of 210,000/mm³ is within the normal range, indicating adequate clotting ability. Thus, this result would not be a reason to postpone surgery.

Choice D reason:

Sodium, 144 mEq/L: Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Normal sodium levels range from 135 to 145 mEq/L. A level of 144 mEq/L is within the normal range, indicating normal electrolyte balance. Therefore, this result would not typically cause surgery to be postponed.

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What information would be important for the nurse to reinforce when teaching a pre-operative client about the correct use of the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device to achieve the best outcome?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is aware that a common adverse effect of anesthetic agents experienced by the client is:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which laboratory result of a preoperative client should the nurse report to the surgeon’s office, knowing that it could cause surgery to be postponed?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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