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.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration. The normal range is typically from 1.005 to 1.030. A specific gravity of 1.035 indicates very concentrated urine, which could be due to dehydration or other factors, but it is not specifically indicative of chronic glomerulonephritis.
Choice B reason:
Serum creatinine is a waste product from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Normal levels are approximately 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males. A level of 7 mg/dL is significantly elevated and can indicate severe kidney dysfunction, which is consistent with chronic glomerulonephritis. This condition can lead to a decreased ability of the kidneys to filter waste, causing an accumulation of creatinine in the blood.
Choice C reason:
Creatinine clearance is a test that measures how well creatinine is removed from the blood by the kidneys. The normal range is about 95 to 120 mL/min. A clearance of 120 mL/min is within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a client with chronic glomerulonephritis, as this condition usually results in reduced kidney function.
Choice D reason:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is another waste product filtered by the kidneys. Normal BUN levels are between 7 and 20 mg/dL. A BUN of 15 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate kidney dysfunction from chronic glomerulonephritis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
The inability to move toes can be an early sign that a cast is too tight. This symptom may indicate that the cast is impinging on nerves or blood vessels, leading to decreased motor function. It is essential to address this immediately to prevent further complications such as permanent damage or compartment syndrome.
Choice B reason:
Edema, or swelling of the toes, can occur if a cast is too tight, but it may not be the first sign observed. Swelling is a response to increased pressure in the tissues and can develop over time as fluid accumulates. While it is a concern, it often follows other symptoms such as changes in sensation or movement.
Choice C reason:
Pallor of the toes, indicating reduced blood flow, can be a sign of a cast that is too tight. However, pallor may not be as immediately noticeable as the inability to move toes or changes in sensation. It is still a critical sign that requires prompt evaluation and possible adjustment of the cast.
Choice D reason:
A change in the temperature of the toes, such as them becoming cooler to the touch, can suggest impaired blood flow due to a tight cast. This sign, along with pallor, may develop after other symptoms such as numbness or motor impairment.
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