NBSTSA Preoperative & Postoperative Patient Care 3

Question 1

What is the purpose of applying sequential compression devices (SCDs) to a surgical patient preoperatively?

Accepted Answer

To prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

To maintain core body temperature

Answer

To monitor blood pressure continuously

Answer

To reduce surgical site infection

Question 2

A patient's preoperative medication list includes metformin. What is the recommended perioperative management of this drug?

Accepted Answer

Hold the medication as directed, typically 24-48 hours before surgery

Answer

Continue as scheduled on the morning of surgery

Answer

Double the dose the day before surgery

Answer

Switch to insulin immediately

Question 3

Which Aldrete scoring system parameter is evaluated when determining a patient's readiness for discharge from the PACU?

Accepted Answer

Activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, and oxygen saturation

Answer

Pupil reaction and Glasgow Coma Scale

Answer

Temperature, pain score, and urine output only

Answer

Blood glucose and electrolyte levels

Question 4

During a preoperative patient assessment, a patient states they have a history of malignant hyperthermia (MH) in a family member. What is the most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the anesthesia provider immediately so MH-safe agents can be planned

Answer

Administer dantrolene prophylactically

Answer

Proceed with surgery using local anesthesia only

Answer

Cancel the surgery indefinitely

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a preoperative surgical safety checklist such as the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist?

Accepted Answer

To reduce preventable surgical complications and wrong-patient or wrong-site events

Answer

To document billing codes for the procedure

Answer

To verify equipment sterilization records

Answer

To assign postoperative nursing assignments

Question 6

A patient scheduled for elective surgery has a preoperative blood pressure reading of 190/110 mmHg. What is the most appropriate next action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist for evaluation before proceeding

Answer

Proceed immediately to the OR to avoid delay

Answer

Administer IV antihypertensive medication without physician order

Answer

Document the finding and proceed as planned

Question 7

Which type of anesthesia requires the surgical technologist to prepare for a patient who remains awake, responsive, but has a specific area numbed for the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Regional anesthesia

Answer

General anesthesia

Answer

Monitored anesthesia care (MAC)

Answer

Conscious sedation