The nurse is caring for a patient in the preoperative holding area of an ambulatory surgery center. Which nursing action will be most appropriate for this area?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because applying a warm blanket is appropriate in the preoperative holding area to ensure the patient's comfort and prevent hypothermia. This action helps maintain the patient's body temperature, which is crucial for optimal surgical outcomes. Counting sterile instruments (A) is usually done in the operating room. Emptying the urinary drainage bag (B) is not necessary unless indicated. Checking the surgical dressing (C) is typically done postoperatively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Certainly! Lead aVR is located on the right side of the body and does not view a specific area of the heart. This is because it is aVR, meaning augmented vector right, which views the heart from the right shoulder towards the center of the heart. Leads V4, I, and aVL are positioned on the left side of the body and each provides a specific view of different areas of the heart. Lead V4 views the left ventricle, lead I views the lateral wall of the left ventricle, and lead aVL views the high lateral wall of the left ventricle. Therefore, the correct answer is C (aVR) as it is on the right side and does not view a specific area of the heart.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 80 joules. When performing transcutaneous pacing in a conscious patient, it is essential to start with a higher energy setting to ensure electrical capture. Starting with the highest or minimum setting may not provide adequate energy to capture the myocardium. 80 joules is a commonly recommended starting energy level for transcutaneous pacing in conscious patients, as it provides a good chance of achieving capture without causing excessive discomfort or harm. 50 joules may not be sufficient to capture the myocardium effectively. Therefore, the initial energy setting of 80 joules is the most appropriate choice in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: O-negative packed red blood cells. In hypovolemic shock, the primary issue is a significant loss of red blood cells leading to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity and subsequent hypotension. Packed red blood cells contain a concentrated amount of red blood cells, which can help improve the patient's oxygenation status and hemodynamic stability more effectively than whole blood or other blood products. O-negative blood is used to avoid potential reactions due to ABO incompatibility. Administering packed red blood cells upon arrival at the hospital is crucial to rapidly address the underlying cause of hypovolemic shock. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because whole blood or packed red blood cells without plasma may not provide the necessary oxygen-carrying capacity to address the patient's condition effectively. Additionally, using O-positive blood products for a female patient can lead to potentially harmful reactions due to ABO incompatibility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: No electrical activity in the heart as confirmed by an EKG tracing indicating asystole. This is the most accurate criteria for determining death in the pre-hospital environment as it indicates complete cessation of cardiac activity. Asystole on an EKG is a definitive sign of cardiac arrest and irreversible death. Choice B is incorrect because apnea with a gag reflex does not confirm death. A gag reflex may still be present even in a deceased individual. Choice C is incorrect because lividity and skin condition are not definitive indicators of death and can be influenced by other factors. Choice D is incorrect because pinpoint pupils and decreased muscle tone are not exclusive to death and can be present in other medical conditions.