ATI LPN
NCLEX Questions Perioperative Care Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
An asthma nurse educator is working with a group of adolescent asthma patients. What intervention is most likely to prevent asthma exacerbations among these patients?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Preventing asthma exacerbations in adolescents hinges on educating them to recognize and avoid triggers e.g., allergens (pollen, pets), irritants (smoke), or exercise reducing inflammation and bronchospasm risk. This proactive strategy, central to asthma action plans (e.g., GINA), empowers teens to modify environments (e.g., using air filters) and preempt attacks, cutting hospital visits by up to 50%. Corticosteroids aren't rescue drugs albuterol is; inhaled steroids are maintenance, not acute. Alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture) lack robust evidence for asthma control, secondary to standard care. Immunizations prevent infections like flu, which may trigger asthma, but aren't the primary prevention tool. The educator's focus on trigger education interactive, teen-friendly builds self-management skills, key for this age group's independence and long-term asthma control.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is encouraging the postoperative patient to utilize diaphragmatic breathing. Reasons for this intervention include
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diaphragmatic breathing, where the abdomen rises on inhalation, prevents atelectasis alveolar collapse post-surgery by fully inflating lungs. General anesthesia suppresses cough reflexes and reduces lung expansion, trapping mucus and risking atelectasis or pneumonia. This exercise, done every 2 hours, enhances ventilation, clearing airways. It minimally distracts from pain but doesn't manage it analgesics do. Healing time isn't directly shortened; oxygenation aids recovery indirectly. Thrombus prevention relies on leg exercises, not breathing, as venous stasis is circulatory. The nurse's encouragement reduces respiratory complications, ensuring oxygen saturation and lung function, a cornerstone of postoperative care per evidence-based practice.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the surgical consent with the patient during preoperative education. The patient indicates that he does not understand what procedure will be completed. What is the nurse's best next step?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Notifying the physician about the patient's lack of understanding is the best step, as informed consent explaining procedure, risks, and alternatives is the surgeon's legal and ethical duty. Without comprehension, surgery can't proceed validly. The nurse can reinforce but not initially explain the procedure, which exceeds their scope here. Asking the patient to sign without understanding violates consent principles. Continuing education delays resolution. This action ensures the physician clarifies, securing true consent and protecting patient autonomy, per surgical ethics and safety standards.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a patient in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) for postoperative fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for this patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Measuring and recording all intake and output best monitors fluid/electrolyte balance in the PACU, assessing renal and circulatory function post-anesthesia. Precise data (e.g., IV fluids, urine output) detect imbalances like hypovolemia or overload, guiding therapy. Copious water risks nausea in early recovery. Weighing is impractical in PACU done later. An extra IV isn't routine without imbalance evidence. This action ensures timely correction, aligning with postoperative care to maintain stability.