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:
"Pitting edema of the lower legs.”. Pitting edema is a common sign of congestive heart failure (CHF), and it often occurs bilaterally in the lower extremities. While this is a potential finding in left-sided heart failure, it is not specific to it.
Choice B rationale:
"Jugular venous distention.”. Jugular venous distention (JVD) is more indicative of right-sided heart failure or elevated central venous pressure. It is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure.
Choice C rationale:
"Shortness of breath while lying down.”. This is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure, known as orthopnea. When the patient lies flat, fluid that has accumulated in the lungs can lead to difficulty breathing. Patients with left-sided heart failure often find relief by sleeping with their upper body elevated.
Choice D rationale:
"Right upper quadrant pain.”. Right upper quadrant pain is not a typical finding in left-sided heart failure. It may be associated with issues related to the liver or gallbladder but is not directly related to heart failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Facial flushing. Facial flushing is not typically associated with atelectasis. Atelectasis is the collapse of a portion of the lung, which can lead to decreased oxygenation and respiratory distress but does not directly cause facial flushing. Flushing may be related to other factors such as fever or allergic reactions.
Choice B rationale:
Dry cough. A dry cough can be a common symptom of atelectasis. As the lung tissue collapses and airways become obstructed, it can lead to irritation and a dry, non-productive cough as the body attempts to clear the airway. So, a dry cough is an expected finding in a client with atelectasis.
Choice C rationale:
Decreasing respiratory rate. A decreasing respiratory rate is not typically associated with atelectasis. In fact, atelectasis often leads to an increased respiratory rate as the body tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen exchange. The patient may experience tachypnea (rapid breathing) as a result.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing dyspnea. Increasing dyspnea is a common and expected finding in a client with atelectasis. As lung tissue collapses and oxygen exchange is compromised, the patient will likely experience worsening shortness of breath. This is a concerning symptom and should be closely monitored, as it may indicate a need for intervention to improve lung expansion and oxygenation.
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