Patient Profile:
- Name: Mr. John Smith
- Age: 68 years
- Medical History: Osteoarthritis of the hip, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation
- Current Medications: Lisinopril, Metformin, Warfarin
- Surgical Procedure: Total hip replacement (THR) due to severe pain and limited mobility.
Preoperative Care:
- The nurse conducts a comprehensive assessment, including a physical examination, vital signs, and a review of Mr. Smith's medical history.
- Preoperative labs are ordered with the following abnormal values noted:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC):
- Hemoglobin: 12.0 g/dL (normal range: 13.5-17.5 g/dL)
- Hematocrit: 36% (normal range: 38.8-50%)
- Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP):
- Serum Creatinine: 3 mg/dL (normal range: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL)
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 24 mg/dL (normal range: 7-20 mg/dL)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC):
-
- Coagulation Studies:
- INR: 5 (normal range: 0.8-1.1)
- Coagulation Studies:
Intraoperative Care:
- The scrub nurse assists in positioning Mr. Smith on the operating table.
During the post-op period, what four potential complications should be monitored?
Dementia
VTE
Fluid overload
Infection
Unrelieved pain
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
Choice A reason: Dementia is not a typical complication directly related to the post-operative period of a total hip replacement. While elderly patients may have underlying cognitive issues, dementia is not considered a direct post-op complication.
Choice B reason: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common post-operative complication, particularly in orthopedic surgeries like total hip replacement. Due to immobility and surgical stress, patients are at higher risk for blood clots forming in the veins, which can be life-threatening if they travel to the lungs.
Choice C reason: Fluid overload can occur due to the administration of intravenous fluids during surgery. Monitoring for signs of fluid overload, such as swelling, shortness of breath, and increased blood pressure, is crucial to ensure proper fluid balance and prevent complications like heart failure.
Choice D reason: Infection is a significant risk after surgery, especially in procedures like total hip replacement. Monitoring for signs of infection, such as fever, increased pain, redness, swelling, and drainage from the surgical site, is essential to detect and treat infections early.
Choice E reason: Unrelieved pain is a critical aspect to monitor post-operatively. Effective pain management is crucial for patient comfort, mobility, and recovery. Uncontrolled pain can impede rehabilitation and recovery, increasing the risk of complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Informing the patient that the pain medication is contraindicated and offering to dim the room lights addresses the immediate concern but does not provide an effective solution for pain management. While it's important to inform the patient, alternative pain relief should be pursued.
Choice B reason: Monitoring the patient closely after administering ibuprofen for pain does not ensure patient safety, especially since ibuprofen can worsen kidney function in patients with acute renal failure. Administering ibuprofen is contraindicated in this case.
Choice C reason: Consulting the healthcare provider about ordering a different pain medication is the safest first step. This ensures that the patient receives an appropriate pain reliever that does not further compromise their renal function. The healthcare provider can prescribe a medication that is safe for patients with acute renal failure.
Choice D reason: Administering ibuprofen as ordered since it is used to treat headaches is not appropriate in this scenario. Ibuprofen is nephrotoxic and can worsen renal function in patients with acute renal failure, making it unsafe to administer.
Correct Answer is ["A","B"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Warfarin should be held before surgery due to its anticoagulant properties. Continuing warfarin increases the risk of excessive bleeding during and after surgery. The patient's INR level is already elevated, indicating a higher risk of bleeding.
Choice B reason: Metformin should be held before surgery, especially for patients undergoing procedures that involve the use of contrast dye or anesthesia. Metformin can cause lactic acidosis in patients with renal impairment or when kidney function is affected by contrast agents or surgery.
Choice C reason: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to manage blood pressure. While some guidelines suggest holding ACE inhibitors before surgery due to the risk of intraoperative hypotension, this decision is often individualized based on the patient's condition and the type of surgery. It is not as universally indicated to be held as warfarin and metformin.
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