ATI LPN
Perioperative Nursing Care NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just been brought to the postoperative unit following major surgery and notes that the patient has many tubes and monitors in place. Which will the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient's endotracheal tube,' as airway maintenance is the highest priority post-surgery. The endotracheal tube ensures breathing, especially after major surgery where anesthesia may suppress respiration assessing its patency and position prevents hypoxia. 'Intravenous lines' (A) deliver fluids but aren't immediately life-threatening if delayed. 'Urinary catheter' (B) monitors output, a lower priority than airway. 'Nasogastric tube' (C) manages gastric contents, secondary to breathing. In nursing, the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) guide care; a blocked or dislodged tube could be fatal, unlike other options. This aligns with NCLEX Management of Care priorities, emphasizing clinical judgment in emergencies where airway trumps all.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse educator facilitates student clinical experiences in the surgical suite. Which action, if performed by a student, would require the nurse educator to intervene?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The student wears surgical scrubs in the semirestricted area,' as it's incorrect and requires intervention. In the semirestricted area (e.g., corridors), staff must wear surgical attire *and* cover all head and facial hair to maintain asepsis scrubs alone are insufficient. 'Mask at the sink area' (A) is correct for the restricted zone. 'Street clothes in the unrestricted area' (B) is appropriate (e.g., nursing station). 'Covering head and hair in the semirestricted area' (D) meets requirements when paired with scrubs. In nursing, enforcing surgical suite zones prevents contamination; C's omission of hair covering violates protocol, risking microbial spread. This aligns with NCLEX Safe and Effective Care Environment, emphasizing strict adherence to aseptic standards over partial compliance.
Question 3 of 5
A patient in surgery receives a neuromuscular blocking agent as an adjunct to general anesthesia. While in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), what assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Weak chest wall movement,' as neuromuscular blockers can cause respiratory muscle weakness, risking hypoxemia a critical finding to report in PACU. 'Laryngospasm' (A) isn't typical with these agents. 'Nausea' (B) and 'confusion' (D) are less urgent (options missing in OCR). In nursing, respiratory depression is a top concern; C aligns with NCLEX Physiological Integrity, prioritizing airway and breathing assessment. (Note: OCR omits A, B, D assumed from context.)
Question 4 of 5
Which laboratory test should the postanesthesia care nurse monitor for a patient who is having difficulty regaining consciousness after a surgical procedure?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Serum glucose,' as altered consciousness post-surgery may stem from hypoglycemia common with fasting or anesthesia effects. 'Potassium' (B) affects rhythm, not alertness. 'PT time' (C) monitors clotting, irrelevant here. 'BUN' (D) assesses kidneys, not consciousness. In nursing, glucose checks guide reversal (e.g., dextrose); A aligns with NCLEX Perioperative, targeting metabolic causes of delayed recovery.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing care to a patient in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) who lost a large amount of blood during a surgical procedure. Which assessment finding should the nurse monitor this patient for based on the current data?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tachycardia,' as significant blood loss triggers compensatory tachycardia to maintain perfusion a key sign of hypovolemia. 'Bradypnea' (A) isn't typical. 'Hypothermia' (C) or 'hypertension' (D) may occur but aren't primary. In nursing, monitoring tachycardia guides fluid replacement; B aligns with NCLEX Perioperative, targeting circulatory response.