NCLEX Questions Perioperative Nursing
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Question 1 of 5.
The charge nurse is making shift assignments. Which postoperative client should be assigned to the most experienced nurse?
A. The 4-year-old client who had a tonsillectomy and is able to swallow fluids.
B. The 74-year-old client with a repair of the left hip who is unable to ambulate.
C. The 24-year-old client who had an uncomplicated appendectomy the previous day.
D. The 80-year-old client with small bowel obstruction and congestive heart failure.
Explanation: The 80-year-old with small bowel obstruction and CHF has complex needs (fluid balance, cardiac monitoring), requiring an experienced nurse. Tonsillectomy, hip repair, and appendectomy are less complex.
Question 2 of 5.
An adult is to have abdominal surgery this morning. Immediately preoperatively, the nurse must ensure that he:
A. is comfortable.
B. has an empty bowel.
C. practices coughing.
D. voids.
Explanation: Ensuring the client voids immediately before surgery prevents bladder distension during the procedure and reduces the risk of postoperative urinary complications.
Question 3 of 5.
An adult was given meperidine HCl (Demerol) 75 mg and atropine sulfate 0.4 mg as preoperative medications. On her arrival in the operating room, she says to the nurse, 'My mouth is very dry.' What is the best response for the nurse to make?
A. I will tell the doctor about that.'
B. That is a normal response to your medication.'
C. Have you ever had an allergic reaction to any other drugs?'
D. Everything is going to be all right.'
Explanation: Atropine, an anticholinergic, commonly causes dry mouth by reducing secretions, a normal and expected effect.
Question 4 of 5.
A young man had an emergency appendectomy for a ruptured appendix and is in the postanesthesia care unit. A Penrose drain is in place. After he recovers from anesthesia, how should he be positioned?
A. Right Sims' position
B. Dorsal
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Semi-sitting position
Explanation: The semi-sitting position promotes drainage via the Penrose drain and enhances respiratory function after recovery from anesthesia.
Question 5 of 5.
A man who is recovering from a prostatectomy complains of pain in his left calf. The nurse observes slight ankle swelling and elicits the Homan's sign. What is the best action for the nurse to take at this time?
A. Tell him to stay in bed and notify the charge nurse
B. Massage his leg to relieve the pain
C. Place a blanket roll under his left knee
D. Encourage active ambulation
Explanation: Positive Homan's sign and swelling suggest thrombophlebitis; bed rest and notification prevent dislodging a potential thrombus, which could cause an embolus.