Which of the following surgical patients is at a greater risk for alterations in body image?

A 19-year-old woman who had a repair of large facial laceration

A 42-year-old woman who has had gallbladder surgery

A 14-year-old boy who underwent a repair of a fractured clavicle

A 52-year-old man who has had an inguinal hernia repair

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Body image refers to an individual’s perception of their physical self. Surgery that alters visible body parts (face, breasts, limbs) or sexual/reproductive organs carries the highest psychosocial impact. Nurses must anticipate these concerns, provide support, and involve counseling when needed.

Rationale for correct answer:

1. 19-year-old woman, facial laceration: Adolescents and young adults are particularly vulnerable to changes in body image because appearance and social acceptance are critical at this stage of psychosocial development.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

2. 42-year-old woman, gallbladder surgery: While scars may form, they are often small and hidden; adults in this age group generally have a more stable self-concept and body image compared to adolescents.

3. 14-year-old boy, fractured clavicle repair: Although body image is important in adolescence, clavicle repairs usually result in minimal visible long-term changes and full functional recovery.

4. 52-year-old man, inguinal hernia repair: Body image changes are minimal with this procedure, and psychosocial adaptation at this age tends to be less influenced by appearance.

Take home points:

Visible surgical changes (especially on the face or reproductive areas) increase risk for disturbed body image.
Age and developmental stage influence how strongly clients react to body image changes - adolescents and young adults are at greater risk.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Effective handoff communication reduces errors and ensures continuity of care. Tools like SBAR, active listening, and nonverbal cues are evidence-based methods to enhance safety in the perioperative setting.

Rationale for correct answers:

2.Using a standardized SBAR tool: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) provides a structured, concise, and effective method for handoff communication, reducing errors.

3. Being responsive in using nonverbal communication techniques: Nonverbal cues such as nodding, eye contact, and attentiveness enhance understanding and ensure the receiver interprets the message accurately.

5. Listening to the OR nurse’s questions: Active listening ensures clarification, avoids misinterpretation, and allows for questions about critical client details.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

1.Documenting assessment findings in the medical record: Documentation is essential but does not ensure direct communication between nurses in different areas. Timely, verbal handoff is more effective for safe surgical care.

4. Giving specific information to a transport technician: Transport staff are not responsible for clinical handoff. Critical pre-op details must be directly communicated nurse-to-nurse.

Take home points:

SBAR and active listening are gold standards for safe handoffs.
Direct communication between responsible nurses is essential; documentation or delegation alone is not sufficient.

A. Cough and deep breathe every 2 hours. B. Maintain NPO status for 48 hours. C. Encourage frequent ambulation. D. Take vital signs every 4 hours.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Postoperative gas pain commonly results from anesthetic effects, decreased bowel motility, swallowed air, and manipulation of the bowel. Promoting early and frequent ambulation, position changes, and encouraging passing flatus are the most effective nonpharmacologic measures.

Rationale for correct answer:

3. Encourage frequent ambulation: Ambulation stimulates intestinal motility and helps move trapped gas, reducing distention and discomfort. It’s a first-line, low-risk intervention.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

1. Cough and deep breathe every 2 hours: Coughing and deep breathing primarily prevent pulmonary complications (atelectasis) and do not directly relieve intestinal gas.

2. Maintain NPO status for 48 hours: Prolonged NPO is unnecessary for routine gas pain and may delay return of bowel function; early oral intake as tolerated and activity often help.

4. Take vital signs every 4 hours: Monitoring vitals is important for overall postop care but will not directly relieve gas pain.

Take home points:

Early ambulation is the single most effective nursing intervention to relieve postoperative gas pain by stimulating bowel motility.
Use multimodal measures - positioning, ambulation, analgesia to allow activity, and ordered medications such as simethicone.

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Which of the following surgical patients is at a greater risk for alterations in body image?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Communication between a nurse caring for a patient in the preoperative holding area and the circulating nurse in the operating room (OR) can best be enhanced by which of the following? Select all that apply

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

Gas pains are a common postoperative discomfort. Which of the following nursing actions implemented in the plan of care would be most likely to relieve gas pains?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Which of the following surgical patients is at a greater risk for alterations in body image?

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An 85-year-old patient returns to the inpatient surgical unit after leaving the PACU. Which of the following place the patient at risk during surgery? Select all that apply