A nurse is conducting a preoperative interview with a client who is scheduled for surgery.
The client states that he takes acetylsalicylic acid 81 mg. by mouth daily.
Prior to the client's upcoming surgery, the nurse should instruct the client to do which of the following?
Discontinue the dose 2 weeks before surgery.
Decrease the dose by half 2 weeks before surgery.
Take the originally prescribed dose the week of surgery.
Double the dose the week of surgery.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the client to discontinue the dose of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) 2 weeks before surgery. Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Discontinuing it before surgery helps reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the procedure. The recommended time frame for discontinuation may vary based on the patient's surgical procedure and the surgeon's preferences. However, 2 weeks is a common guideline to ensure that the antiplatelet effects of aspirin have diminished.
Choice B rationale:
Decreasing the dose by half 2 weeks before surgery may not be sufficient to minimize the risk of bleeding associated with aspirin. It is generally recommended to discontinue the medication completely to ensure that the antiplatelet effect has worn off.
Choice C rationale:
Taking the originally prescribed dose of aspirin the week of surgery is not advisable because it can increase the risk of bleeding during the surgical procedure. It is important to discontinue aspirin well before the surgery.
Choice D rationale:
Doubling the dose of aspirin the week of surgery is contraindicated as it can significantly increase the risk of bleeding. This choice is not recommended in the context of preoperative management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fine rales Fine rales, also known as crackles, are typically associated with conditions like pulmonary edema, pneumonia, or interstitial lung diseases. These sounds are often described as "crackling" or "popping" and are heard during inspiration. In an acute asthma exacerbation, expiratory wheezing is more characteristic than fine rales.
Choice B rationale:
Rhonchi Rhonchi are continuous, low-pitched sounds that can be heard in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchitis. They are typically present during both inspiration and expiration. In an acute asthma exacerbation, you would expect to hear wheezing during expiration, which is different from the characteristics of rhonchi.
Choice D rationale:
Pleural friction rub Pleural friction rub is a grating, leathery sound caused by the inflamed pleura rubbing against each other. It is typically heard during both inspiration and expiration and is associated with conditions like pleuritis or pleurisy. It is not commonly associated with acute asthma exacerbation. Now, let's move on to the next question.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH (above the normal range of 7.35-7.45) and an increased bicarbonate (HCO3) level (above the normal range of 22-28 mEq/L). In this case, the client's pH of 7.6 and HCO3 level of 32 mEq/L indicate a primary metabolic alkalosis. It can be caused by excessive bicarbonate intake, loss of acid (as in vomiting or excessive diuretic use), or other factors that result in an excess of bicarbonate in the body. The PaCO2 level is within the normal range (35-45 mm Hg), which is consistent with compensatory hypoventilation seen in metabolic alkalosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic acidosis Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and bicarbonate level. The client's ABG results do not align with metabolic acidosis. In this case, the pH is elevated, and the bicarbonate level is above the normal range.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated pH and decreased PaCO2. The client's ABG results show a normal PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg, which does not align with respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, you would typically see a lower PaCO2.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory acidosis Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH and elevated PaCO2. The client's ABG results do not align with respiratory acidosis. In this case, the PaCO2 is within the normal range, and the pH is elevated, which is not indicative of respiratory acidosis.
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