ATI LPN
NCLEX Questions Perioperative Care Questions
Question 1 of 5
A preoperative nurse is assessing a client prior to surgery. Which information would be most important for the nurse to relay to the surgical team?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Question 2 of 5
The perioperative nurse is writing a care plan for a patient who has returned from surgery 2 hours prior. Which measure should the nurse implement to most decrease the patients risk of developing pulmonary emboli (PE)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary embolism (PE) risk post-surgery stems from venous stasis, a component of Virchow's triad, making early ambulation the most effective preventive measure. Walking within hours of surgery enhances venous return, prevents deep vein thrombosis (DVT) formation the primary PE source and counters immobility's prothrombotic effects. Increased protein intake aids wound healing but doesn't directly reduce clotting risk. Maintaining a supine position prolongs stasis, heightening DVT and PE likelihood, especially post-surgery when mobility is already limited. Combining aspirin with warfarin increases bleeding risk without superior PE prevention over warfarin alone, and anticoagulants are secondary to physical measures like ambulation. The nurse's focus on early mobilization, alongside elastic stockings or leg exercises, aligns with evidence-based protocols (e.g., SCIP guidelines), significantly lowering PE incidence in perioperative care.
Question 3 of 5
The home care nurse is monitoring a patient discharged home after resolution of a pulmonary embolus. For what potential complication would the home care nurse be most closely monitoring this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After pulmonary embolus (PE) resolution, the home care nurse prioritizes monitoring for residual effects of compromised oxygenation, such as fatigue, cognitive deficits, or exertional dyspnea, stemming from prolonged hypoxia during the acute phase. PE obstructs pulmonary arteries, impairing gas exchange, and even post-treatment, lung tissue recovery may lag, leaving subtle deficits. Pulmonary infection isn't a direct PE sequela unless secondary pneumonia develops, which isn't indicated. Swallowing issues or aspiration aren't linked to PE unless unrelated comorbidities exist. Activity level and role performance matter but are secondary to oxygenation status, which underpins functional capacity. Close monitoring via pulse oximetry, symptom reports, or exertion tolerance ensures the nurse detects lingering hypoxia effects, guiding rehabilitation or oxygen therapy to optimize recovery.
Question 4 of 5
A student nurse is developing a teaching plan for an adult patient with asthma. Which teaching point should have the highest priority in the plan of care that the student is developing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For an adult with asthma, the highest priority teaching point is taking prescribed medications as scheduled, ensuring control of airway inflammation and bronchospasm. Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide) and long-acting bronchodilators prevent exacerbations by maintaining baseline lung function, while rescue inhalers (e.g., albuterol) address acute symptoms adherence is critical, as non-compliance drives 60% of asthma hospitalizations. Increasing exertion gradually aids fitness but risks triggering attacks if uncontrolled. Changing filters reduces allergens (e.g., dust), a secondary environmental step. Avoiding goose-down pillows minimizes feather triggers, but this is less impactful than medication. The student nurse's focus on adherence detailing timing, technique (e.g., spacer), and side effects empowers the patient to prevent attacks, aligning with asthma action plans and long-term management success.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a patient who has been admitted with an exacerbation of chronic bronchiectasis. The nurse should expect to assess the patient for which of the following clinical manifestations?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a bronchiectasis exacerbation, copious sputum production is a primary clinical manifestation the nurse should expect, stemming from chronic bronchial dilation trapping purulent mucus. This hallmark often foul-smelling, voluminous (e.g., >30 mL/day) reflects recurrent infection and inflammation, driving symptoms like cough and dyspnea. Pain on inspiration suggests pleurisy or pneumothorax, not bronchiectasis's airway focus. Pigeon chest, a congenital deformity, isn't linked to this acquired condition. Dry cough contradicts bronchiectasis's wet, productive nature from mucus retention. The nurse's assessment quantifying sputum, noting color (e.g., green) informs care (e.g., drainage, antibiotics), aligning with bronchiectasis's pathophysiology and exacerbation management.