A nurse working in the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit)/recovery room unit is monitoring a patient whose vital signs were stable upon arrival from the operating room. The patient’s temperature began to rise steadily the past 20 minutes and continues to rise, the heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia with a rate of 122, the patient’s blood pressure is 86/42, and pulse ox is 88% on 2 L O2 via nasal cannula.
The nurse suspects which genetic condition?
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Malignant hypothermia.
Thalassemia.
Malignant hyperthermia.
The Correct Answer is D
Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain drugs used for anesthesia that can cause muscle rigidity, fever, and a fast heart rate. It can be fatal if not treated promptly with medication, oxygen, body cooling, and supportive care. The patient’s symptoms match those of malignant hyperthermia.
Choice A is wrong because alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and jaundice.
It does not cause a rise in body temperature or muscle rigidity. Choice B is wrong because malignant hypothermia does not exist. It is a misspelling of malignant hyperthermia.
Choice C is wrong because thalassemia is a genetic disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, causing anemia, fatigue, and bone deformities.
It does not cause a rise in body temperature or muscle rigidity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
damage the blood vessels and affect blood flow, increasing the risk of gangrene. Choice B. Stasis is wrong because it refers to a condition where blood pools in the veins of the legs, causing swelling and skin changes. It does not cause gangrene by itself.
Choice C. Venous insufficiency is wrong because it refers to a condition where the veins in the legs have problems sending blood back to the heart, causing swelling and skin ulcers. It does not cause gangrene by itself.
Choice D. Varicose veins are wrong because they are enlarged veins that may cause pain or discomfort, but do not cause gangrene by themselves.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Withholding food and oral fluids until intestinal mobility has returned. This is because the client may have postoperative ileus (POI), which is a reduction of gastrointestinal motility after abdominal surgery. POI is characterized by abdominal distension, lack of bowel sounds, accumulation of gas and fluids in the bowel, and delayed passage of flatus and stools.
Giving food and fluids to a client with POI may worsen the condition and cause complications.
Choice A is wrong because high fat foods may slow down GI motility and increase the risk of constipation.
Choice B is wrong because solid food intake may also aggravate POI and cause abdominal discomfort.
Choice C is wrong because fiber intake may increase gas production and distension in the bowel. The nurse should auscultate the abdomen for bowel sounds, and if they are present, or the client reports passing flatus, clear fluids can commence, and aperients can be administered. However, bowel sounds are not a reliable indicator of the end of POI, as they may not be associated with the time of first flatus.
Therefore, withholding food and oral fluids until intestinal mobility has returned is the most appropriate action by the nurse.
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