The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure. The nurse is completing an assessment and reviews the patient's laboratory tests and allergies and prepares the patient for surgery. In which perioperative nursing phase is the nurse working?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Preoperative. In this phase, the nurse is completing assessments, reviewing lab tests, and preparing the patient for surgery. This phase occurs before the surgical procedure takes place. Perioperative (A) encompasses all phases of surgery, including preoperative, intraoperative (C), and postoperative (D). Intraoperative (C) refers to the phase during the actual surgical procedure. Postoperative (D) is the phase after surgery when the patient is in recovery. Therefore, B is the correct choice as it specifically relates to the actions the nurse is taking before the surgery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary embolism. Given the sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, tachypnea, rapid pulse, and swollen right calf with tenderness, the most likely diagnosis is a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow. This leads to symptoms of shortness of breath, tachypnea, and rapid pulse. The swollen right calf with tenderness suggests a possible deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism. The other choices are less likely because they do not fully encompass the patient's presentation and physical exam findings. A myocardial infarction typically presents with chest pain, not solely shortness of breath and calf swelling. Tension pneumothorax presents with respiratory distress and decreased breath sounds, not calf swelling. Severe asthma attack may cause shortness of breath but is less likely to present with a swollen calf.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: aVR. Lead aVR is located on the right side of the body and does not view a specific area of the heart. In a 12-lead ECG, aVR is a unipolar lead that looks towards the right shoulder and does not provide a specific view of any particular area of the heart. This lead is mainly used as a reference point to help interpret the overall electrical activity of the heart. Leads V4, I, and aVL are all standard leads that view specific areas of the heart and are important for diagnosing cardiac conditions. Lead V4 views the anterior wall of the heart, Lead I views the lateral wall, and Lead aVL views the high lateral wall.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 80 joules. Initially, you should use a higher energy setting to ensure successful capture in a conscious patient. Starting at a higher energy level increases the chances of achieving capture without causing harm. Option A is incorrect because using the highest setting may lead to unnecessary discomfort or injury. Option B is incorrect as using the minimum setting may not provide enough energy for capture. Option C is incorrect as 50 joules may be insufficient for successful pacing in a conscious patient. Starting at 80 joules is a prudent choice to maximize the chance of successful capture while minimizing potential harm.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: O-negative packed red blood cells. Packed red blood cells are the most appropriate choice for a patient in hypovolemic shock as they help increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. In this scenario, the patient's hemorrhage is controlled, indicating a need for red blood cells rather than whole blood. O-negative blood is universally compatible, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions. Plasma-containing products like whole blood (choice A) may not be necessary if there is no active bleeding or coagulopathy present. O-positive packed red blood cells (choice C) may not be compatible with the patient's blood type, risking transfusion reactions. O-positive whole blood without plasma (choice D) may not provide adequate oxygen-carrying capacity needed in hypovolemic shock.