A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to have surgery. In preparing the client for surgery, which of the following actions is considered outside the nurse’s responsibilities?
Explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits
Reviewing preoperative instructions
Obtaining test results
Ensuring that a signed surgical consent form was completed
Assessing the current health status of the client
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits
Explaining the surgical procedure, including its risks and benefits, is primarily the responsibility of the surgeon. This is because the surgeon has the detailed knowledge and expertise regarding the specific procedure and can provide comprehensive information to the patient. The nurse’s role in this context is to support the patient by clarifying any information provided by the surgeon and ensuring that the patient understands the instructions. Nurses can also address any immediate concerns or questions the patient might have, but the detailed explanation of the procedure itself is outside their scope of practice.
Choice B reason: Reviewing preoperative instructions
Reviewing preoperative instructions is within the nurse’s responsibilities. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring that patients understand and follow preoperative instructions, which may include fasting guidelines, medication adjustments, and other preparatory steps. This helps to minimize surgical risks and ensures that the patient is adequately prepared for the procedure. By reviewing these instructions, nurses help to reinforce the information provided by the surgical team and ensure patient compliance.
Choice C reason: Obtaining test results
Obtaining and reviewing test results is also within the nurse’s scope of practice. Nurses are responsible for ensuring that all necessary preoperative tests have been completed and that the results are available for the surgical team. This includes coordinating with the laboratory and other departments to obtain timely results and reviewing them to identify any potential issues that need to be addressed before surgery. This step is critical in ensuring patient safety and readiness for the procedure.
Choice D reason: Ensuring that a signed surgical consent form was completed
Ensuring that a signed surgical consent form is completed is a shared responsibility between the nurse and the surgeon. While the surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent by explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits, the nurse’s role is to verify that the consent form has been signed and documented appropriately. This verification process is crucial to ensure that the patient has given informed consent before proceeding with the surgery.
Choice E reason: Assessing the current health status of the client
Assessing the current health status of the client is a fundamental responsibility of the nurse. This involves conducting a thorough health assessment, including taking vital signs, reviewing the patient’s medical history, and identifying any potential risks or concerns that may affect the surgery. This assessment helps to establish a baseline for the patient’s condition and ensures that any necessary precautions are taken to promote a safe surgical outcome.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: You Can Expect Swelling of the Ankles While Taking This Medication
Swelling of the ankles, or peripheral edema, is a known side effect of verapamil. This calcium channel blocker can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the lower extremities. While this is a common side effect, it is not an instruction that the nurse should include in discharge teaching. Instead, the nurse should inform the client to report any significant swelling to their healthcare provider.
Choice B reason: Do Not Take This Medication on an Empty Stomach
Verapamil can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Therefore, the instruction to avoid taking it on an empty stomach is not strictly necessary. The nurse should advise the client to follow their healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding medication administration.
Choice C reason: Limit Your Fluid Intake to Meal Times
Limiting fluid intake to meal times is not a standard recommendation for clients taking verapamil. Adequate hydration is important for overall health, and there is no specific reason to restrict fluid intake while on this medication. The nurse should encourage the client to maintain a balanced fluid intake throughout the day.
Choice D reason: Increase Your Daily Intake of Dietary Fiber
Increasing daily intake of dietary fiber is a beneficial instruction for clients taking verapamil. Verapamil can cause constipation as a side effect, and a high-fiber diet can help mitigate this issue. Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
While articulating expectations is important, the nurse’s response is more focused on addressing the client’s feelings and encouraging participation in therapy. Simply stating expectations without addressing the client’s emotions may not be as effective.
Choice B reason:
The nurse’s response demonstrates empathy by acknowledging the client’s feelings and gently guiding them towards participating in group therapy. This approach helps build trust and rapport, which are essential in therapeutic relationships, especially with clients exhibiting delusional behavior.
Choice C reason:
Setting limits on manipulative behavior is important, but in this context, the nurse’s response is more about encouraging participation and showing understanding rather than strictly setting limits.
Choice D reason:
Reflection involves mirroring the client’s feelings or statements to show understanding. While the nurse’s response does show understanding, it is not a direct example of reflection. The primary focus is on empathy and encouragement.
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