what is the most important assessment for a patient post op to monitor for complications
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam Test Bank

1. What is the most important assessment for a patient post-op to monitor for complications?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor vital signs. Post-operative patients need close monitoring of their vital signs to detect early signs of complications such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate. While monitoring the surgical site is also important for signs of infection, assessing vital signs takes precedence as it provides immediate information about the patient's overall condition. Checking blood glucose levels may be essential for specific patients but is not the primary assessment for monitoring post-op complications. Checking for abnormal breath sounds is important but falls secondary to monitoring vital signs as it indicates respiratory issues rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of the patient's condition.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and demonstrates confusion and wandering behavior. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with Alzheimer's disease who demonstrates confusion and wandering behavior is to ensure that the client wears an identification bracelet at all times. This helps prevent wandering and ensures the client's safety. Placing the client in a well-lit area may be beneficial for orientation but does not directly address wandering behavior. Using physical restraints is not recommended as it can lead to agitation and other complications. Keeping the client's bed in the lowest position is important for fall prevention but does not specifically address the issue of wandering behavior.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postpartum and is breastfeeding her newborn. The client asks the nurse to warm up seaweed soup that the client's partner brought for her. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Agreeing to heat up the seaweed soup respects the client's cultural preferences and promotes a positive postpartum experience. Seaweed soup is a traditional food in some cultures, often believed to support recovery and breastfeeding. The nurse's supportive response fosters cultural sensitivity, which is crucial in providing patient-centered care.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has Guillain-Barré syndrome. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Facial weakness is a common finding in clients with Guillain-Barré syndrome due to muscle weakness. While increased urine output is not typically associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, hyperactive reflexes are more indicative of conditions like hyperthyroidism or spinal cord injury. Hypoactive bowel sounds are not a classic finding in Guillain-Barré syndrome, making it an incorrect choice.

5. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has major depressive disorder and is taking tranylcypromine. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cured meats. Cured meats contain tyramine, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis in clients taking tranylcypromine. Bananas, milk, and yogurt do not contain significant amounts of tyramine and are safe for clients taking this medication. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid cured meats to prevent adverse effects.

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