ATI LPN
Perioperative Care Fundamentals Practice Questions Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
You are caring for a male patient who has had spinal anesthesia. The patient is under a physician's order to lie flat postoperatively. When the patient asks to go to the bathroom, you encourage him to adhere to the physician's order. What rationale for complying with this order should the nurse explain to the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lying flat prevents spinal headaches by maintaining cerebrospinal pressure, per post-spinal care. Hypotension and respiratory issues aren't position-related; lumbar pain isn't typical. The nurse explains this benefit.
Question 2 of 5
An adult patient is in the recovery room following a nephrectomy performed for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. The patient's vital signs and level of consciousness stabilized, but the patient then complains of severe nausea and begins to retch. What should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Turning to the side prevents aspiration if vomiting occurs, per postoperative safety. Analgesics don't treat nausea; cool cloths are secondary; ice chips may worsen it. Positioning is immediate action.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old female patient in the PACU. The woman begins to awaken and responds to her name, but is confused, restless, and agitated. What principle should guide the nurse's subsequent assessment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Confusion is common in elderly post-op , but may signal blood loss, per PACU principles. Oxygenation/stroke is possible but less likely; expected findings downplay urgency; dementia assumes pre-existing issues. Assessment explores causes.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is performing the shift assessment of a postsurgical patient. The nurse finds his mental status, level of consciousness, speech, and orientation are intact and at baseline, but the patient tells you he is very anxious. What should the nurse do next?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should ask the patient about his anxiety to identify the cause possibly pain, fear, or hypoxia per postoperative assessment principles. Oxygen levels are a follow-up if respiratory signs emerge; medication or physician notification is premature without data. Understanding the patient's concerns guides care, aligning with holistic postoperative management.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient on postoperative day 3 following a cholecystectomy. The patient reports nausea and abdominal distension, and the nurse notes absent bowel sounds. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Notifying the physician addresses possible ileus with nausea, distension, and absent sounds, per protocol. Antiemetics treat symptoms; ambulation or NG tube needs orders. Postoperative care escalates abnormal findings.