Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the nurse's FIRST response when a patient scheduled for general anesthesia has a serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L?
What is the nurse's FIRST response when a patient scheduled for general anesthesia has a serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L?
- Send the patient to surgery
- Notify the anesthesiologist (correct)
- Call the operating room to cancel the surgery
- Make a note in the patient's chart
What is the most important nursing intervention in preventing postoperative complications?
What is the most important nursing intervention in preventing postoperative complications?
- Pain management
- Early ambulation (correct)
- Progressing diet planning
- Bowel and elimination monitoring
What should the nurse assess FIRST when a patient arrives in the PACU after surgery?
What should the nurse assess FIRST when a patient arrives in the PACU after surgery?
- Respiratory rate
- Airway patency (correct)
- Breath sounds
- Pain
What is a possible indication of delirium in an older client?
What is a possible indication of delirium in an older client?
Why is it essential to check a patient's airway patency in the PACU?
Why is it essential to check a patient's airway patency in the PACU?
What is a potential consequence of hyperkalemia?
What is a potential consequence of hyperkalemia?
What is a common sign of delirium?
What is a common sign of delirium?
What would the nurse expect to find when assessing a client with a history of peripheral arterial disease?
What would the nurse expect to find when assessing a client with a history of peripheral arterial disease?
What is an early indicator of hypoxemia in a client recovering from anesthesia?
What is an early indicator of hypoxemia in a client recovering from anesthesia?
What information is most important for the nurse to communicate to the anesthesiologist and surgeon before surgery?
What information is most important for the nurse to communicate to the anesthesiologist and surgeon before surgery?
What does the Mini-Mental State Examination assess?
What does the Mini-Mental State Examination assess?
What is a characteristic of a client with delirium?
What is a characteristic of a client with delirium?
Study Notes
Signs of Delirium
- Sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes
- Rambling speech
- Sleep disturbances
- Combative behavior
- Easily distracted by things
Peripheral Arterial Disease
- Narrowing or blockage of vessels that bring blood from the heart to the extremities
- Causes pain in the calves when walking due to blockage
- Leads to poor circulation, making it difficult for wounds to heal
- Causes cool skin over the feet
Hypoxemia
- Early signs include anxiety, confusion, and restlessness
- Restlessness is an early indicator of hypoxemia
Preoperative Assessment
- Most important information to communicate to the anesthesiologist and surgeon is the patient's report of their last menstrual period
- This is crucial because the patient could be pregnant
Mini-Mental State Examination
- Assesses orientation, memory, and cognitive function
- Includes a set of 11 questions to check for cognitive impairment
Hyperkalemia
- Serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L (5.8 mmol/L) can cause deadly arrhythmias
- Requires notification of the anesthesiologist before surgery
Preventing Postoperative Complications
- Early ambulation is the most important nursing intervention to prevent complications
- Complications include pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and other disorders of immobility
Respiratory Assessment
- Airway patency should be checked first in the PACU after surgery
- It is essential to ensure the patient's airway is patent, especially after anesthesia
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Description
Test your knowledge of nursing interventions and procedures for patients receiving general anesthesia, including handling hyperkalemia and preoperative care. Learn about the importance of notifying the anesthesiologist and other critical steps in patient care.
