The nurse interviews a patient scheduled to undergo general anesthesia for a bilateral hernia repair. Which information is most important to communicate to the surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery?
The patient drank 4 ounces of apple juice 6 hours before coming to the hospital.
The patient drinks 3 cups of coffee every day.
The patient's father died after general anesthesia for abdominal surgery.
The patient stopped taking aspirin 10 days ago.
The Correct Answer is C
C. This information is important to communicate to the surgical and anesthesia team as it indicates a potential family history of adverse reactions to anesthesia. Family history of anesthesia-related complications, especially in close relatives, can influence the anesthetic plan and help mitigate potential risks during surgery.
A. Clear fluids, such as apple juice, are typically allowed up to 2 hours before surgery, but the specific fasting instructions may vary depending on the institution's protocol and the type of surgery planned.
B. This information provides insight into the patient's caffeine consumption habits but it is not typically considered a critical factor to communicate to the surgical and anesthesia team before surgery.
D. Knowing the duration of aspirin cessation allows the anesthesia team to assess the patient's coagulation status and adjust the perioperative management accordingly. However, it does not present immediate risks as significant as a family history of anesthetic complications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Petechiae, which are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin, are a classic manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. They typically appear on the upper chest, axilla (armpit), and conjunctiva of the eyes. Petechiae result from the occlusion of small blood vessels by fat globules, leading to microvascular bleeding.
A Paresthesia distal to the fracture site is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. Instead, paresthesia may suggest nerve compression or injury related to the fracture itself rather than fat emboli.
B Fever is not a specific manifestation of fat embolism syndrome. While fever can occur with various types of infections or inflammatory conditions, it is not a hallmark symptom of fat embolism.
C Swelling of the calf can occur with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a potential complication of lower limb fractures. However, it is not a typical manifestation of fat embolism syndrome.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This option is appropriate as the current treatment protocol is not effectively managing the patient's pain. The nurse can collaborate with the healthcare provider to reassess the patient's pain management needs and explore alternative strategies or adjustments to the PCA regimen.
A. This approach may lead to overmedication and increase the risk of adverse effects such as respiratory depression or sedation.
B. Requesting a bolus dose when the patient awakens with pain could be a part of the solution, but it should be carefully evaluated within the context of the overall pain management plan.
D. Administering scheduled doses of morphine from the PCA machine without the patient's input or based solely on time intervals is not recommended.
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