Which techniques would the registered nurse identify as regional anesthesia to a patient undergoing surgery? (Select all that apply.)
Oral route Anesthetic Block
Inhalation Anesthetic Block
Spinal Anesthetic Block
Epidural Anesthetic Block
Nerve Anesthetic Block
Correct Answer : C,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Oral route anesthetic blocks are not considered regional anesthesia. They are a form of systemic anesthesia, meaning they affect the entire body.
Oral anesthetics are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the bloodstream to reach their target sites in the central nervous system.
They produce a general depressant effect on the brain and spinal cord, leading to sedation, unconsciousness, and analgesia. Examples of oral anesthetics include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and propofol.
Choice B rationale:
Inhalation anesthetic blocks are also a form of systemic anesthesia.
They are administered through inhalation of vaporized gases or volatile liquids.
These anesthetics rapidly cross the alveolar-capillary membrane in the lungs and enter the bloodstream, where they are transported to the brain and other tissues.
They produce a dose-dependent depression of the central nervous system, resulting in loss of consciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation.
Examples of inhalation anesthetics include nitrous oxide, sevoflurane, and isoflurane.
Choice C rationale:
Spinal anesthetic blocks are a type of regional anesthesia that involves injecting a local anesthetic directly into the subarachnoid space of the spinal cord.
This blocks nerve transmission in the spinal cord, resulting in loss of sensation and motor function in the lower half of the body.
Spinal anesthesia is commonly used for surgeries below the waist, such as cesarean deliveries, hip replacements, and knee surgeries.
Choice D rationale:
Epidural anesthetic blocks are another type of regional anesthesia that involves injecting a local anesthetic into the epidural space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord.
This blocks nerve transmission in the spinal nerves, resulting in loss of sensation and motor function in a specific region of the body.
Epidural anesthesia is commonly used for labor and delivery, as well as for surgeries on the abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities.
Choice E rationale:
Nerve anesthetic blocks (also known as peripheral nerve blocks) involve injecting a local anesthetic around a specific nerve or group of nerves.
This blocks nerve transmission in the targeted area, resulting in loss of sensation and motor function in a specific part of the body.
Nerve blocks can be used for a variety of surgical procedures, as well as for pain management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Anatomy: The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the lower abdomen, just behind the pubic bone. It stores urine until it is emptied through urination. The area between the symphysis pubis (the joint where the two pubic bones meet) and the umbilicus (belly button) is directly over the bladder, making it the most appropriate place to palpate for bladder distention.
Signs of bladder distention: When the bladder is distended, it can be felt as a firm, round mass in the lower abdomen. The patient may also experience discomfort, pressure, or an urge to urinate.
Nursing assessment: Palpation is a key nursing assessment skill used to evaluate the size, shape, and position of organs within the abdomen. In this case, palpation helps the nurse to determine if the bladder is distended and to assess the severity of the distention.
Clinical significance: Bladder distention can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
Postoperative urinary retention due to anesthesia or pain medications
Urinary tract obstruction (e.g., from a kidney stone or enlarged prostate)
Neurological conditions that affect bladder function (e.g., spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis)
Dehydration
Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, anticholinergics)
Prompt intervention: Bladder distention can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and discomfort. It's important for the nurse to identify and address bladder distention promptly to prevent these complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Impaired cognitive and motor function:
Anesthesia and analgesic medications used during surgery can significantly impair cognitive and motor skills, even if the patient feels alert and capable. These effects can last for several hours or even days after the procedure, making it unsafe for the patient to drive.
Studies have shown that reaction time, judgment, coordination, and visual acuity can be significantly impaired following surgery, even in patients who report feeling normal.
Driving under the influence of these medications poses a serious risk of accidents and injuries, both to the patient and other road users.
Risk of postoperative complications:
Postoperative complications, such as bleeding, nausea, vomiting, pain, or dizziness, can occur unexpectedly and may require immediate attention.
Driving while experiencing these complications can be extremely dangerous and could delay necessary medical intervention.
It's crucial for the patient to have a responsible adult present to monitor their condition and seek medical assistance if needed. Legal and liability considerations:
Many healthcare facilities have strict policies prohibiting patients from driving after surgery due to liability concerns.
If a patient were to be involved in an accident while driving after surgery, the facility could be held liable for not ensuring the patient's safety and preventing them from driving.
Choice B rationale:
Inadequate guidance: Simply stating that no specific information is necessary fails to address the potential risks associated with driving after surgery.
Patient safety: It's the nurse's responsibility to provide clear and comprehensive discharge instructions that prioritize patient safety.
Omission of crucial information: Omitting information about transportation could lead to misunderstandings and potentially unsafe actions by the patient.
Choice C rationale:
Unreliable self-assessment: Relying on the patient's self-assessment of dizziness is not a reliable method to determine their fitness to drive.
Residual effects of medication: Patients may not fully perceive the subtle effects of anesthesia and medications on their cognitive and motor skills.
Potential for delayed impairment: Symptoms such as dizziness or drowsiness could manifest later, even if the patient initially feels well.
Choice D rationale:
Age not a sole determinant: While age can be a factor in driving ability, it's not the sole determinant of fitness to drive after surgery.
Individual differences: Patients of any age can experience cognitive and motor impairment following surgery.
Oversimplification of risks: This choice inaccurately suggests that only individuals under 25 are at risk, potentially leading to unsafe decisions by older patients.
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