Which is the priority intervention for the nurse to perform in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU)?
Assess the surgical dressing, noting presence and character of drainage.
Assess urinary output and presence of bladder distention.
Assess blood pressure and the estimated blood loss during surgery.
Assess for airway patency and quality of respirations.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Checking the surgical dressing is important but not as urgent as ensuring respiratory function.
B. Assessing urinary output is necessary but secondary to airway patency.
C. Monitoring blood pressure and blood loss is important but less critical than respiratory status.
D. Airway patency is the highest priority in the immediate postoperative period to prevent respiratory failure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Reviewing all current medications and supplements allows the healthcare team to identify potential drug interactions and adjust treatment.
B. While a medication schedule is helpful, it does not address the risk of interactions during pre-surgical planning.
C. Instructing the client to avoid OTC medications is overly broad and may lead to unnecessary medication omission.
D. Filling prescriptions locally does not address the risk of interactions directly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. General anesthesia involves the loss of consciousness and is not related to epidurals.
B. Local anesthesia numbs a small, localized area and is not comparable to epidurals.
C. Moderate sedation provides sedation without loss of consciousness, unrelated to epidural function.
D. Epidural anesthesia is a form of regional anesthesia that blocks sensation in a specific region of the body.
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