what is the most important nursing action for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery what is the most important nursing action for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

1. What is the most important nursing action for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial for a patient presenting with confusion after surgery because it helps alleviate potential hypoxia, which can be a common cause of confusion in the postoperative period. While repositioning the patient, administering IV fluids, and performing a neurological assessment are important nursing interventions in certain situations, addressing hypoxia by administering oxygen takes priority in this case to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the brain and other vital organs.

2. A client who received benzocaine spray before a recent bronchoscopy presents with continuous cyanosis despite oxygen therapy. What action should the nurse take next?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cyanosis unresponsive to oxygen therapy suggests methemoglobinemia, an adverse effect of benzocaine spray. Methemoglobinemia can lead to death if not managed promptly. The nurse should notify the Rapid Response Team to provide immediate advanced care. Administering albuterol would not address the underlying cause of cyanosis. Assessing peripheral pulses and obtaining cultures are not the priority as they do not directly address the urgent need to manage methemoglobinemia.

3. The __________ reflex helps a newborn find the nipple.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The rooting reflex is the correct answer. This reflex helps a newborn baby find the nipple by turning their head and opening their mouth when their cheek is stroked or touched. This is crucial for the baby to locate and latch onto the mother's breast for feeding. The rooting reflex typically disappears around 4 months of age.

4. A client is 2 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A pain level of 8 is high and may indicate inadequate pain control or complications following surgery. Monitoring and managing pain is crucial postoperatively to ensure patient comfort and prevent complications. A heart rate of 88/min, capillary refill of 2 seconds, and a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) are within normal ranges and do not typically require immediate reporting unless in the context of other concerning signs or symptoms.

5. A nurse working on a cardiac unit delegated taking vital signs to an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Four hours later, the nurse notes the client's blood pressure is much higher than previous readings & the client's mental status has changed. What action by the nurse would most likely have prevented this negative outcome?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely action by the nurse that would have prevented the negative outcome is providing more appropriate supervision of the UAP. Supervision is essential in delegation as it involves directing, evaluating, and following up on delegated tasks. By providing adequate supervision, the nurse can ensure that tasks are performed correctly and promptly identify any issues or abnormalities, such as a significant change in vital signs or the client's mental status. This proactive approach can help prevent adverse outcomes and enhance patient safety.

Similar Questions

What should be the first medication given for wheezing due to an allergic reaction?
A client is admitted to a medical-surgical unit after six hours in the emergency room. He requests that his AM care be delayed to allow him to rest. The nurse complies with his request. This is an example of which type of management philosophy?
A nurse is preparing to teach a group of clients about vitamins and minerals. The nurse should include in the teaching that which of the following minerals is necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses?
When children are research participants, __________.
What is a good source of potassium and can be related to increased excretion?

Access More Features

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 30 days access @ $69.99

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 90 days access @ $149.99