Medical-Surgical Nursing Flashcards

A patient post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) reports sudden onset chest pain and shortness of breath on day 2. What should the nurse assess first?

Answer: Airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs)

Following cardiac surgery, sudden chest pain and dyspnoea may indicate life-threatening complications such as cardiac tamponade or pulmonary embolism, requiring immediate ABC assessment.

Which laboratory value is the primary indicator of kidney function monitored in medical-surgical patients?

Answer: Serum creatinine

Serum creatinine is the most reliable routine indicator of glomerular filtration rate and overall kidney function in clinical settings.

What is the correct nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a generalised tonic-clonic seizure?

Answer: Protect the patient from injury, position on side, and time the seizure

During a seizure, nurses must protect the patient from injury, turn them to the side to prevent aspiration, and time the event to guide medical management.

In a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube, how should the nurse verify correct tube placement before feeding?

Answer: Aspirate gastric contents and check pH (≤5.5) or confirm with X-ray

Aspirating gastric contents and checking pH ≤5.5 or confirming with X-ray are evidence-based methods to verify NG tube placement and prevent aspiration.

Which complication is most commonly associated with prolonged bed rest in post-surgical patients?

Answer: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Venous stasis from immobility during prolonged bed rest is the primary risk factor for deep vein thrombosis in post-surgical patients.

A patient with type 2 diabetes is NPO for surgery. Which nursing action is most important regarding their antidiabetic medications?

Answer: Clarify with the physician which medications to hold or adjust

NPO status and surgical stress alter glucose metabolism; the nurse must clarify medication orders with the physician to prevent hypoglycaemia or dangerous hyperglycaemia.