A patient who is being admitted to the surgical unit for a hysterectomy paces the floor, repeatedly saying, 'I just want this over.' What should the nurse do to promote a positive surgical outcome for the patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, option A is the correct choice because it demonstrates therapeutic communication. By asking the patient about her specific concerns, the nurse shows empathy, validates the patient's feelings, and opens up a dialogue to address any fears or anxieties the patient may have. This approach helps build trust and rapport, crucial for promoting a positive surgical outcome. Option B is incorrect because simply reassuring the patient without addressing her specific concerns may come off as dismissive and not truly supportive of her emotional needs. Option C is incorrect as redirecting the patient's attention may overlook the opportunity to address her underlying anxieties. Option D is incorrect because minimizing the patient's anxiety by stating the surgery is common and safe may invalidate her feelings and not provide the emotional support she needs. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of effective communication skills in nursing practice. Nurses must not only focus on the physical aspects of care but also on the emotional and psychological well-being of their patients. Understanding and addressing a patient's fears and concerns can significantly impact their surgical experience and overall recovery. Therapeutic communication is a fundamental aspect of patient-centered care and plays a vital role in promoting positive outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer to the question, "What is the physical environment of a surgery suite primarily designed to promote?" is B) Medical and surgical asepsis. In a surgery suite, maintaining medical and surgical asepsis is crucial to prevent infections and ensure successful surgical outcomes. The physical environment is specifically designed to minimize the risk of contamination and infection during surgical procedures. This includes features such as specialized ventilation systems, sterile equipment storage, and designated areas for scrubbing in and preparing for surgery. By prioritizing aseptic techniques and practices in the surgical environment, healthcare providers can reduce the chances of post-operative complications and improve patient safety. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: A) Electrical safety: While important in any healthcare setting, the primary focus of a surgery suite's physical environment is not on promoting electrical safety. This is more related to general safety measures in healthcare facilities. C) Comfort and privacy of the patient: While comfort and privacy are essential aspects of patient-centered care, the primary goal of the surgical suite's physical environment is to ensure a sterile and aseptic environment to prevent surgical site infections and complications. D) Communication among the surgical team: Effective communication is vital during surgical procedures, but the physical environment of a surgery suite is primarily designed to support aseptic practices and infection control rather than communication among the team members. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the design of a surgery suite's physical environment is crucial for healthcare professionals working in surgical settings. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to aseptic principles and maintaining a sterile environment to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes. By prioritizing medical and surgical asepsis, healthcare providers can contribute to reducing the risk of infections and complications associated with surgical procedures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of perioperative positioning injury, musculoskeletal deformities are a common risk factor because they can limit the patient's ability to tolerate prolonged periods of immobility or specific positioning required during surgery. Musculoskeletal deformities can increase the risk of pressure ulcers, nerve compression, and musculoskeletal strain. Option A, skin lesions, may contribute to the risk of pressure ulcers but is not as directly related to positioning injury as musculoskeletal deformities. Option B, break in sterile technique, is more related to the risk of infection rather than positioning injury. Option D, electrical or mechanical equipment failure, is not a direct risk factor for perioperative positioning injury in this context. Educationally, understanding the risk factors for perioperative positioning injury is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to surgical patients. Assessing and addressing these risk factors can help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes during the perioperative period.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of epidural and spinal anesthesia, it is crucial for nurses to anticipate potential complications to provide safe and effective care to patients. The correct answer, option B) Hypotension and bradycardia, is the most likely condition to occur during epidural and spinal anesthesia. This is due to the sympathetic blockade caused by the anesthesia, leading to vasodilation and subsequent hypotension, along with bradycardia as a compensatory response. Option A) Spinal headache is a complication that can occur postoperatively due to leakage of cerebrospinal fluid during the procedure, rather than during the administration of the anesthesia itself. Option C) Loss of consciousness and seizures are not typical effects of epidural or spinal anesthesia. These complications are not associated with the expected effects of the anesthesia technique. Option D) Downward extension of nerve block is a possible complication but is less common during epidural and spinal anesthesia compared to hypotension and bradycardia, which are more prevalent due to the pharmacological effects of the anesthesia on the cardiovascular system. Educationally, understanding the potential complications of epidural and spinal anesthesia is crucial for nursing practice to ensure prompt recognition, intervention, and prevention of adverse events. Nurses need to closely monitor patients receiving these types of anesthesia to provide timely and appropriate care, including interventions to address hypotension and bradycardia to maintain patient safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of medical-surgical nursing, the routine assessment of a patient's cardiovascular function upon admission to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is crucial for ensuring patient safety and optimal recovery. Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring is the correct option because it provides continuous and real-time information about the patient's heart rhythm and electrical activity, allowing healthcare providers to promptly identify any cardiac abnormalities or complications post-surgery. Monitoring arterial blood gases (Option A) is essential for assessing oxygenation and ventilation status but is not specifically focused on cardiovascular function. Determining fluid and electrolyte status (Option C) is important for overall patient assessment but does not directly assess cardiovascular function upon admission. Direct arterial blood pressure monitoring (Option D) is valuable in hemodynamic monitoring but does not provide comprehensive information about the patient's cardiovascular function like ECG monitoring does. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind each assessment modality is crucial for nurses to prioritize and perform appropriate assessments based on the patient's condition. This knowledge ensures timely identification of potential cardiovascular complications, leading to prompt interventions and improved patient outcomes in the PACU setting.