what is the nurses role in preoperative patient care

ATI LPN

ATI Comprehensive Predictor PN

1. What is the nurse's role in preoperative patient care?

A. Provide patient education and ensure NPO status
B. Ensure that informed consent is obtained
C. Obtain the patient's health history
D. Confirm the patient's surgical site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse plays a crucial role in preoperative patient care by providing education and ensuring NPO (nothing by mouth) status. This helps prepare the patient for surgery by ensuring they understand the procedure, what to expect, and also by following necessary preoperative fasting guidelines. While obtaining the patient's health history (choice C) is important for overall patient assessment, it is typically done during the preoperative assessment but does not specifically pertain to the nurse's role. Ensuring informed consent (choice B) is primarily the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure. Confirming the patient's surgical site (choice D) is usually the responsibility of the surgical team and is done immediately before the surgery to prevent errors.

2. A client with a peptic ulcer had a partial gastrectomy and vagotomy (Billroth I). In planning the discharge teaching, the client should be cautioned by the nurse about which of the following?

A. Sit up for at least 30 minutes after eating
B. Avoid fluids between meals
C. Increase the intake of high-carbohydrate foods
D. Avoid eating large meals that are high in simple sugars and liquids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Avoid eating large meals that are high in simple sugars and liquids.' Clients who have undergone partial gastrectomy are at risk of dumping syndrome, which can occur due to the rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. Consuming large meals high in simple sugars and liquids can exacerbate this syndrome, leading to symptoms like abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Choices A, B, and C are not directly related to preventing dumping syndrome and are not the priority concerns for a client post-partial gastrectomy.

3. What should a person recommend to a client experiencing constipation?

A. Increase fluid intake to prevent further dehydration
B. Increase dietary fiber to promote regular bowel movements
C. Administer a laxative to relieve constipation
D. Encourage bed rest to allow for bowel function to return

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber is an effective recommendation for clients experiencing constipation as it helps promote regular bowel movements. Choice A, increasing fluid intake, is also important but the most appropriate initial recommendation for constipation is to increase dietary fiber. Choice C, administering a laxative, should not be the first-line recommendation and is typically considered after dietary and lifestyle interventions. Choice D, encouraging bed rest, does not directly address constipation relief or prevention.

4. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient with sepsis?

A. Monitor vital signs and administer fluids
B. Monitor for fever and administer antibiotics
C. Check for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count
D. Administer fluids and provide nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In sepsis, it is crucial to monitor vital signs to assess the patient's condition and administer fluids to maintain circulation. This approach helps in stabilizing blood pressure and perfusion. While monitoring for fever and administering antibiotics (choice B) is important in managing sepsis, the initial priority lies in assessing and stabilizing the patient's hemodynamic status. Checking for tachycardia and elevated white blood cell count (choice C) can be part of the assessment but does not encompass the immediate intervention needed in sepsis. Administering fluids and providing nutritional support (choice D) are essential in managing sepsis, but the primary step should be to assess the patient's condition through vital sign monitoring.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a prescription for the use of oxygen in his home. Which of the following should the nurse teach the client about using oxygen safely in his home?

A. Family members who smoke should be at least 10 ft away from the client when oxygen is in use
B. Nail polish should not be used near a client who is receiving oxygen
C. A 'No Smoking' sign should be placed on the front door
D. Cotton bedding and clothing should be replaced with items made from wool

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Placing a 'No Smoking' sign on the front door is crucial for fire safety when using oxygen at home. Choice A is incorrect as family members who smoke should not be around the client when oxygen is in use, not just at a distance. Choice B is not directly related to oxygen safety. Choice D is also irrelevant as the type of bedding and clothing material does not impact oxygen safety.