A patient who has just been transported from the operating room to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) is shivering and has a temperature of 96.5° F (35.8° C). Which action should the nurse take next?

Hold opioid analgesics until the patient is warmer.

Notify the anesthesia care provider.

Cover the patient with a warm blanket.

Give acetaminophen 650 mg suppository rectally.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

C. Covering the patient with a warm blanket is an appropriate initial intervention to address the patient's hypothermia and shivering. Heat conservation measures, such as using blankets or warming devices, help raise the patient's body temperature and alleviate shivering.

A. While shivering and a low body temperature (hypothermia) can be common postoperative complications, holding opioid analgesics may not directly address the underlying cause of the shivering or hypothermia.

B. Notifying the anesthesia care provider is a prudent action, especially if the patient's shivering and hypothermia are suspected to be related to intraoperative factors such as inadequate warming or anesthesia-induced temperature dysregulation. However, this is not the immediate action.

D. Acetaminophen is not typically indicated as the initial treatment for hypothermia or shivering. While acetaminophen can help reduce fever and discomfort, rectal suppositories may not provide rapid temperature elevation or relief from shivering.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. The weights in skeletal traction should not rest against the foot of the bed. Placing the weights on the floor or using a weight-bearing device such as a frame or stand is necessary to provide countertraction and maintain proper tension on the traction system.

A. In skeletal traction, the ropes or cables should be securely attached to the pins that are inserted into the bone. Proper attachment ensures that the traction force is applied effectively and safely.

B. In balanced skeletal traction, the weights on each side of the traction setup should be equal to maintain proper alignment and traction force. Balanced traction helps prevent unequal forces on the bone and surrounding tissues.

D. The ropes or cables should be properly positioned in the center of the wheel grooves to ensure smooth movement of the weights and prevent binding or friction. Proper alignment of the ropes reduces the risk of malfunction or damage to the traction equipment.

A. Venous thromboembolism B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance C. Impaired surgical wound healing D. Hypovolemic shock

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a significant concern following knee replacement surgery due to the increased risk of blood clot formation associated with immobility and surgery. Limited mobility can predispose the patient to stasis of blood flow, which increases the risk of VTE.

B. While fluid and electrolyte imbalance can occur postoperatively, especially if the patient experiences complications such as excessive bleeding or fluid shifts, limited mobility alone is less likely to directly lead to this complication as a priority.

C. Limited mobility can potentially impact surgical wound healing by delaying the resolution of edema, impairing circulation, and increasing the risk of infection. However, this complication may not be as immediate or life-threatening as others on the list.

D. Hypovolemic shock, characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion due to decreased circulating blood volume, is a severe complication that can result from significant blood loss. While bleeding can occur postoperatively, it is less common as a complication of knee replacement surgery, especially within the first few days.

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A patient who has just been transported from the operating room to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) is shivering and has a temperature of 96.5° F (35.8° C). Which action should the nurse take next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who is in skeletal traction. The nurse should correct which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An older patient who had knee replacement surgery 2 days ago can only tolerate being out of bed with physical therapy twice a day. Which potential complication should the nurse identify as a priority for this patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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A patient who has just been transported from the operating room to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) is shivering and has a temperature of 96.5° F (35.8° C). Which action should the nurse take next?

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