A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following is a priority when completing an assessment preoperatively?
To determine understanding of the procedure
To establish the need for psychological support
To identify possible surgical risks
To recognize resources needed postoperatively
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Determining the client's understanding of the procedure is important as it ensures informed consent and can help alleviate anxiety. However, while this is a necessary part of preoperative care, it may not be the immediate priority¹.
Choice B reason:
Establishing the need for psychological support is a valuable aspect of holistic care. It addresses the client's emotional well-being and can improve overall satisfaction with the surgical experience. Nonetheless, it is not the primary focus of the preoperative assessment².
Choice C reason:
Identifying possible surgical risks is the priority in a preoperative assessment. This includes evaluating the client's medical history, current health status, and any factors that could increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. A thorough risk assessment is crucial for planning safe surgical care and for making decisions about proceeding with the surgery¹³.
Choice D reason:
Recognizing resources needed postoperatively is part of discharge planning and is essential for ensuring continuity of care. While it is an important consideration, it is not the immediate priority during the preoperative assessment².
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is used to detect latent TB infection but is not the most reliable for confirming active pulmonary TB. It can indicate if someone has been infected with TB bacteria, but it cannot differentiate between latent and active TB.
Choice B reason:
A sputum culture for acid-fast bacillus is the gold standard for diagnosing active pulmonary TB. It involves culturing a sample of sputum (phlegm) to see if TB bacteria grow, which confirms the diagnosis. This test is the most definitive and reliable method, although it may take several weeks to obtain results.
Choice C reason:
A sputum smear can detect TB bacteria in sputum samples quickly, but it is less sensitive than a culture. It can miss cases, especially if the bacterial load is low. Therefore, while useful for initial screening, it is not as reliable as a culture for confirming active TB.
Choice D reason:
A chest x-ray can show signs suggestive of TB, such as infiltrates or cavities in the lungs, but it cannot confirm the presence of TB bacteria. It is a supportive diagnostic tool but not definitive for active TB diagnosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The statement "This procedure is routinely performed during a Pap test" is incorrect. A colposcopy is not routinely performed during a Pap test; it is a separate procedure that is often recommended if a Pap test shows abnormal results. The colposcopy allows for a closer examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva to detect any signs of disease.
Choice B reason:
The statement "During the procedure, a biopsy may be performed" is correct. If the healthcare provider sees an area of concern during the colposcopy, they may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from the cervix or from inside the opening of the cervix.
Choice C reason:
The statement "Do not eat or drink after midnight tonight" is not necessary for a colposcopy. Unlike some surgical procedures that require general anesthesia, a colposcopy is usually done with local anesthesia, and fasting is not required.
Choice D reason:
The statement "You will have general anesthesia during this procedure" is incorrect. General anesthesia is not typically used for a colposcopy. The procedure may cause some discomfort, but it is usually performed using local anesthesia or no anesthesia at all.

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