A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client. Which of the following assessments is the nurse's priority?
Surgical site
Respiratory Status
Level of consciousness
Pain level
The Correct Answer is B
B. This is often the nurse's top priority in the PACU. Anesthesia can depress respiratory function, leading to hypoventilation or airway obstruction. The nurse assesses respiratory rate, effort, oxygen saturation, and auscultates breath sounds to ensure adequate ventilation. Addressing any respiratory compromise promptly is crucial to prevent hypoxia or respiratory arrest.
A Assessing the surgical site is important to monitor for bleeding, infection, or any other complications related to the procedure. However, immediately after surgery, other assessments take precedence over this unless there is a specific concern like excessive bleeding or signs of infection.
C. Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is vital to detect any signs of neurological complications or delayed emergence from anesthesia. The nurse assesses orientation, responsiveness, and neurological signs to ensure the client is awakening appropriately from anesthesia.
D. Assessing pain is important as clients may experience discomfort after surgery. Pain can also affect respiratory function and overall recovery. However, it is typically assessed after ensuring respiratory status and consciousness are stable, as uncontrolled pain can be managed once immediate physiological concerns are addressed.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that increases heart rate by blocking vagal tone to the heart. It is used to treat symptomatic bradycardia, including sinus bradycardia that causes hemodynamic instability
A Lidocaine is primarily used for the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias, particularly in the setting of acute myocardial infarction or during cardiac arrest. Sinus bradycardia with S-T segment elevation suggests ischemia or injury to the heart muscle (myocardium) rather than ventricular arrhythmias.
B. Digoxin is a medication used to increase myocardial contractility and reduce heart rate in certain heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. It is not typically indicated for acute management of sinus bradycardia
D. Sotalol is a beta-blocker with class III antiarrhythmic properties. It is used primarily for the management of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, not for acute coronary syndrome or sinus bradycardia with myocardial ischemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A Clearing the area is essential to prevent injury during a seizure. The client may move or thrash around, and any objects nearby (e.g., furniture, medical equipment, or sharp objects) can potentially cause harm. However, this can be done after lowering teh client.
B. This action is crucial to protect the client from injury during the seizure. It provides a safe environment for the client to have the seizure without risk of falling or hitting their head on objects.
C. Assessing vital signs can wait until after the seizure has ended and the client's immediate safety has been ensured. During a seizure, the nurse should focus on managing the seizure and preventing complications.
D. This action is important for comfort and safety but is secondary to ensuring a safe environment and managing the seizure itself.
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