Trivia Flashcards

Which of the following patients must be assigned to a surgical unit nurse who is transferred to the general unit?

Answer: Emergency appendectomy

A nurse transferred from a surgical unit would possess specialized skills and experience in surgical patient care. An emergency appendectomy patient requires post-operative care directly related to surgical recovery, making this assignment the most appropriate and within the nurse's immediate area of expertise compared to general medical conditions.

A nurse caring for a patient scheduled for surgery discovers that the patient cannot sign the permission form because of narcotic analgesics. Instead of the patient, who should sign the permission form?

Answer: One family member can sign with two witnesses signatures

If a patient is incapacitated due to medication and cannot provide informed consent, a legally authorized representative, typically a family member, can sign the consent form. To ensure validity and proper documentation, this process usually requires the signatures of two witnesses who can attest to the signing and the patient's inability to consent.

A nurse works in a neighborhood recently hit by a hurricane. The nurse works to connect persons in need with housing and counseling. The nurse represents which degree of prevention.

Answer: Tertiary level

Tertiary prevention focuses on rehabilitation, reducing the impact of an existing disease or injury, and preventing its progression. In this scenario, the hurricane has already occurred, and the nurse is providing housing and counseling, which are restorative and supportive services aimed at minimizing long-term effects and helping individuals recover, thus aligning with tertiary prevention.

Surgery for a right leg allograft is scheduled for a patient with extensive burns. What aspects of this patient's post-operative treatment plan must be considered?

Answer: Immobilize and elevate the right leg

For an allograft (tissue transplant) like a skin graft, proper post-operative care is crucial for graft survival. Immobilizing the affected limb prevents movement that could dislodge the graft, while elevating it helps reduce swelling and promotes venous return, both of which are vital for successful graft take and healing.

A nurse urges a post-operative patient to cough and take deep breaths. The nurse is taking this measure since she is aware that holding onto pulmonary secretions might result in

Answer: Pneumonia

Post-operative patients are at increased risk for pulmonary complications, particularly pneumonia. When pulmonary secretions are retained, they can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth and lead to atelectasis, which can progress to pneumonia. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing helps clear these secretions and expand the lungs, preventing such infections.

When a patient has a surgical site infection and purulent discharge, certain measures are advised.

Answer: Contact

A surgical site infection with purulent discharge indicates the presence of infectious microorganisms that can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the wound or contaminated surfaces. Therefore, contact precautions, including the use of gloves and gowns, are essential to prevent the spread of these pathogens to other patients or healthcare personnel.

A paracentesis is performed on a patient with end-stage liver disease to remove enormous ascites that is seriously limiting their ability to breathe. What is utilized to treat hyponatremia and renal impairment brought on by a reduced effective arterial volume?

Answer: Albumin infusion

After a large-volume paracentesis in patients with end-stage liver disease, there is a risk of significant fluid shifts and reduced effective arterial volume, which can lead to complications like hyponatremia and renal impairment. Albumin infusion helps to maintain intravascular volume and oncotic pressure, thereby preventing these post-paracentesis complications.