ATI LPN
Perioperative Care Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Norepinephrine (Levophed) has been prescribed for a patient who was admitted with dehydration and hypotension. Which patient data indicate that the nurse should consult with the health care provider before starting the norepinephrine?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A as a low CVP (3 mm Hg) signals inadequate fluid volume, requiring resuscitation before norepinephrine in hypovolemic shock. Tachycardia (choice B), dopamine (choice C), and anuria (choice D) don't preclude vasopressors post-fluids. This aligns with NCLEX Physiological Integrity, ensuring safe administration by addressing preload first.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who is very sleepy following general anesthesia and administration of pain medication. The nurse notes that the patient is making snoring sounds and his pulse oximetry has dropped to 88%. What is the best action of the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assess the airway and administer oxygen,' as snoring and 88% oximetry indicate airway obstruction from sedation an urgent issue. Assessing airway patency (e.g., repositioning jaw) and giving oxygen address hypoxia immediately, per ABC priorities. 'Reintubate' (B) is premature without initial assessment and oxygen trial. 'Remove pillow' (C) or 'elevate bed' (D) may help but won't fully resolve obstruction or low oxygen. In nursing, prompt airway management prevents respiratory arrest; A aligns with NCLEX Reduction of Risk Potential, emphasizing vital sign abnormalities over secondary adjustments.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assigned to care for several patients on the surgical unit. Which patient need will the nurse address first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A patient who has not voided since the catheter was removed 8 hours ago,' as urinary retention can cause bladder distension or infection a priority over non-urgent needs. 'Discharge teaching' (A) and 'first ambulation' (B) can wait. 'Dressing change' (D) isn't time-critical unless infected. In nursing, physiological stability trumps routine care; 8 hours without voiding signals intervention (e.g., bladder scan). C aligns with NCLEX Management of Care and Clinical Judgment, prioritizing acute needs.
Question 4 of 5
Which action most effectively demonstrates that a new staff member understands the role of scrub nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Keeps both hands above the operating table level,' as it shows the scrub nurse's role in maintaining sterile field asepsis hands below table level risk contamination. 'Documents care' (A), 'labels specimens' (B), and 'transports patient' (D) are circulating nurse tasks, not sterile field duties. In nursing, role-specific actions ensure OR safety; C aligns with NCLEX Safe and Effective Care Environment, reflecting sterile technique mastery over unsterile responsibilities.
Question 5 of 5
When caring for a patient who has received a general anesthetic, the circulating nurse notes red, raised wheals on the patient's arms. Which action should the nurse take immediately?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Notify the anesthesia care practitioner (ACP) immediately,' as wheals suggest an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to anesthesia potentially life-threatening, requiring urgent ACP intervention. 'Lotion' (A) and 'drapes' (B) don't address the cause. 'Recheck later' (C) delays care. In nursing, rapid response to allergic signs is critical; D aligns with NCLEX Physiological Integrity, prioritizing emergency action over observation or palliation.