A nurse in a PACU is transferring care of a client to a nurse on the medical-surgical unit.
Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the hand-off report?
“The client was intubated without complications.”
“There was a total of 10 sponges used during the procedure.”
“The estimated blood loss was 250 milliliters.”
“The client is a member of the board of directors.”.
The Correct Answer is C
This statement should be included in the hand-off report because it provides essential information about the patient’s intraoperative status and potential postoperative complications, such as hypovolemia, anemia, or infection. The estimated blood loss (EBL) is an important indicator of the patient’s fluid balance and hemodynamic stability.
Choice A is wrong because “The client was intubated without complications.” is not relevant for the postoperative care of the patient. The intubation status is usually documented in the anesthesia record and does not need to be repeated in the hand-off report unless there were any issues or injuries related to the airway management.
Choice B is wrong because “There was a total of 10 sponges used during the procedure.” is not pertinent for the postoperative care of the patient.
The number of sponges used during the surgery is usually counted and verified by the scrub nurse and the circulating nurse in the operating room to prevent any retained foreign bodies. This information does not need to be communicated to the PACU nurse unless there was a discrepancy or a missing sponge.
Choice D is wrong because “The client is a member of the board of directors.” is not appropriate for the hand-off report.
This statement violates the patient’s privacy and confidentiality and does not contribute to the quality or safety of care. The patient’s role or position in the organization should not influence the hand-off communication or the postoperative care.
A hand-off report is a critical communication tool that facilitates the transfer of care from one provider to another. It should include relevant information about the patient’s medical history, surgical procedure, intraoperative events, postoperative plan, and any concerns or potential problems.
A standardized hand-off tool, such as SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), can help improve the consistency, accuracy, and completeness of the hand-off report.
Some normal ranges that may be useful for postoperative care are:
- Blood pressure: 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg
- Pulse: 60 to 100 beats/min
- Respiratory rate: 12 to 20 breaths/min
- Oxygen saturation: 95% to 100%
- Temperature: 36°C to 37.5°C
- Hemoglobin: 12 to 18 g/dL
- Hematocrit: 36% to 54%
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Wound dehiscence can lead to infection, bleeding, and evisceration (protrusion of internal organs through the incision). The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately and cover the wound with a sterile dressing moistened with sterile saline solution.
Choice A is wrong because mild swelling under the sutures near the incisional line is a normal finding in the early stages of wound healing. It does not indicate infection or dehiscence unless accompanied by other signs such as redness, warmth, pain, or purulent drainage.
Choice B is wrong because crusting of exudate on the incisional line is also a normal finding that indicates the formation of a scab.
A scab protects the wound from infection and helps it heal faster. The nurse should not remove the scab unless instructed by the provider.
Choice D is wrong because pink-tinged coloration on the incisional line is another normal finding that shows healthy granulation tissue.
Granulation tissue is new tissue that fills in the wound and helps it close. It is usually pink or red and moist.
The nurse should follow these general tips for postoperative abdominal incision care:
- Always wash your hands before and after touching your incisions.
- Inspect your incisions and wounds every day for signs your healthcare provider has told you are red flags or concerning.
- Look for any bleeding.
If the incisions start to bleed, apply direct and constant pressure to the incisions.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing that might rub on your incisions.
- Try not to scratch any itchy wounds.
- You can shower starting 48 hours after your operation but no scrubbing or soaking of the abdominal wounds in a tub.
- After the initial dressing from the operating room is removed, you can leave the wound open to air unless there is drainage or you feel more comfortable with soft gauze covering the wound.
- Surgical glue (Indermil) will fall off over a period of up to 2-3 weeks.
Do not put any topical ointments or lotions on the incisions.
- Do not rub over the incisions with a washcloth or towel.
- No tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming until evaluated at your clinic appointment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D) Scrambled eggs and toast with milk.
For a client who follows kosher dietary traditions, it's essential to adhere to the rules and restrictions that pertain to kosher food preparation and consumption. Among the given options, the only one that aligns with kosher dietary guidelines is scrambled eggs and toast with milk.
The other options (A, B, and C) contain non-kosher ingredients, such as ham, shrimp, and bacon, which are not considered kosher. Additionally, mixing meat and dairy products is generally not allowed in kosher dietary practices. So, options A, B, and C would not be appropriate for someone following kosher dietary traditions.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today