16

Chapter 16: Care of Preoperative Patients
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A client voluntarily signed the operative consent form. What is the nurses next action?
a. Teach the client about the surgery.
b. Have family members witness the signature.
c. Sign under the clients name as a witness.
d. Call for the physician to sign the form.
ANS: C
The nurses signature as a witness indicates that the consent form was signed by the client
voluntarily. None of the other steps are necessary.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of CareInformed
Consent)
MSC: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation
2. The nurse is caring for an older adult client with a history of chronic lung disease who will be
undergoing surgery the following day. When postoperative care is planned, which potential
problem is the highest priority for this client?
a. Maintaining oxygenation
b. Tolerating activity
c. Anxiety and fear
d. Hypovolemia
ANS: A
Breathing problems take priority over the other problems listed. This would be compounded
in a client with any chronic lung disorder.
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialPotential for
Complications From Surgical Procedures and Health Alterations)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)
3. The nurse is completing preoperative teaching for a client, and it becomes apparent that the
client does not understand the surgery that will be performed. What is the priority action for
the nurse?
a. Obtain informed consent from the client.
b. Continue teaching the client about the surgery.
c. Revise the teaching plan for the client.
d. Notify the surgeon and document the finding.
ANS: D
The surgeon should be notified right away so that the client can be instructed about the
surgery to be performed. The client cannot give informed consent unless he or she understands
the procedure.
REF: N/A
Consent)
MSC:
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
4. During the preoperative assessment, the client tells the nurse that he smokes three packs of
cigarettes daily. Which action by the nurse is best?

Call the surgeon to cancel the surgery.
Have baseline laboratory studies drawn.
Perform a respiratory assessment.
Give a nebulizer treatment.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
Smoking increases the clients risk for atelectasis and hypoxia. The nurse should assess the
client for signs of respiratory disease. The physician will need to know this information but
will not necessarily cancel the operation. Baseline laboratory studies need to be ordered by the
physician. There is no indication for giving a nebulizer to this client.
REF: N/A
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Intervention)
5. When the nurse brings a clients preoperative medications, the client responds, I dont need
that. I had a good nights sleep last night. What is the nurses best response?
The doctor ordered this medication so you should take it.
I will make a note that you refused to take the medication.
I will ask your surgeon if you have to take the medication.
Let me teach you about your medications for surgery.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
Preoperative medications can include sedatives but are often given to prevent laryngospasm
and to help reduce pharyngeal and gastric secretions. The client must be fully aware of the
rationale for all medications and the risks of not taking them.
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
Expected Actions/Outcomes)
6. A client receiving preoperative medication tells the nurse that she took all the following
vitamins and herbs last night before going to bed. Which one does the nurse report to the
surgical team as a priority?
a. Valerian root
b. St. Johns wort
c. Garlic
d. Chamomile
ANS: C
Garlic interferes with coagulation, increasing the clients risk for bleeding during and after the
surgical procedure. This would be a critical piece of information for the surgical team to
know.
REF: N/A
Adverse Effects/Contraindications/Side Effects/Interactions)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Intervention)
7. The nurse reviews a clients laboratory results before surgery and notes a fasting blood
glucose of 120 mg/dL, a prothrombin time (PT) of 25 seconds, and potassium (K+) of 3.8
mEq/L. Which action by the nurse is best?
a. Ask the surgeon for additional laboratory studies.
b. Administer a potassium supplement of 20 mEq.
c. Increase the IV infusion of D5W to 100 mL/hr.
d. Record laboratory results on the preoperative assessment.
ANS: A
The prothrombin time is elevated, which could lead to bleeding during or after surgery. The
surgeon and the anesthesiologist should be notified of this laboratory test result right away,
and additional coagulation studies will be needed. The potassium is within normal limits. The
blood glucose level is elevated but not critically so. The surgeon should be notified of all
laboratory work, and the client may need an IV solution without glucose. The results should
be recorded, but the surgery will likely be cancelled owing to the coagulation problem, which
is the priority concern with this client.
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialLaboratory
Values)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Analysis)
8. A client is brought to the emergency department (ED) after a motorcycle accident. The client
has suffered a ruptured spleen. What is the immediate priority?

Emergent surgery to control bleeding
Aggressive pain control
Calling the family members
Assessment of neurologic status
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
Emergent surgery is indicated when the client may die without immediate intervention. Other
interventions are appropriate but do not have the priority because controlling hemorrhage via
surgery is the priority.
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Physiological AdaptationMedical
Emergencies)
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Implementation)
9. The nurse has just completed preoperative teaching with a client who will be having surgery
the following day. Which statement by the client indicates that additional teaching is needed?
When I brush my teeth before surgery, I will be sure to spit out the water.
I will go to the bathroom as soon as I receive all my preoperative medications.
I will remember to wear my glasses tomorrow instead of my contact lenses.
I wont have to worry about putting my makeup on tomorrow morning.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
The client should void before receiving any preoperative medication. The medication could
make the client sleepy and at risk for falling. The other statements are correct.

REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Safety and Infection Control
Accident/Injury Prevention) MSC:
Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
10. The nurse is performing preoperative teaching with an older adult client who will be having
colon resection surgery the following day. The surgeon has ordered bowel preparation the
night before. Which action is a priority?
a. Administer antibiotics with a sip of water.
b. Encourage the client to drink plenty of juice.
c. Teach the client to eat only low-fat foods the night before surgery.
d. Tell the client not to get up and go to the bathroom alone.
ANS: D
Safety is the priority, and the older adult client can become exhausted and may fall.
Antibiotics, if ordered, would be administered with a sip of water, but this is not the priority.
The client would not be encouraged to drink juice, because this is not a clear liquid.
REF: N/A
Accident/Injury Prevention)
11. When examining an adult clients preoperative laboratory results, the nurse notes that the
potassium level is 2.9 mEq/mL. What is the nurses priority action?

Document the finding.
Alter the clients diet to include fruit.
Increase the IV flow rate.
Notify the surgeon.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L or mmol/L. A value of 2.9
represents hypokalemia, which must be corrected before surgery. The surgeon should be
notified of this finding. The finding should be documented; however, notifying the surgeon is
the priority.
REF: N/A
Values)
12. What recently learned information about a client who is scheduled to have surgery within the
next 2 hours is the nurse certain to communicate to the surgical team?

An allergy to cats
Hearing problem
Consumption of a glass of wine 12 hours ago
Taking 2000 mg of vitamin C each day
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: B
The team will need to communicate with the client in the surgical holding area, in the
operating room, and in the postanesthesia recovery unit. Any problem with communication,
such as a hearing impairment, should be stressed, so that team members can use alternative
means to ensure accurate communication with the client.

REF: N/A
13. A client will be undergoing palliative surgery. The clients daughter asks what this means.
What is the nurses best response?

The surgery will relieve the symptoms but will not cure your father.
There are fewer risks with this type of surgery.
There is no guarantee of the outcome of the surgery.
The surgery must be performed immediately to save your fathers life.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
The purpose of palliative surgery is to improve the clients quality of life by reducing or
eliminating distressing symptoms. It does not cure a health problem and often does not
prolong life.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension/Understanding
REF: Table 16-1, p. 242
TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Basic Care and ComfortNonPharmacological Comfort Measures)
14. Twenty minutes after a client has received a preoperative injection of atropine and midazolam
(Versed), the client tells the nurse that he must be allergic to the medication because his mouth
is dry and his heart seems to be beating faster than normal. What is the nurses priority action?
a. Document the findings.
b. Assess the clients pulse and blood pressure.
c. Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
d. Explain to the client that these symptoms are expected.
ANS: B
Although these are expected physiologic responses to the preoperative medication, whenever
the client states that he or she can feel a change in normal cardiac function, he should be
assessed.
REF: N/A
Expected Actions/Outcomes)
15. A client undergoing preoperative assessment informs the nurse that he takes medication for
high blood pressure and for asthma. What is the nurses best action?
a. Tell the client not to take the medication on the day of surgery.
b. Notify the surgeon and the anesthesiologist.
c. Document the information in the clients record.
d. Tell the client to take medications preoperatively with a sip of water.
ANS: B
Medications for cardiac and respiratory problems usually are given with sips of water before
surgery. However, the nurse should notify the surgeon and the anesthesiologist before giving
the client any advice. While some medications can be given with a sip of water, other
medications must be held for a specified time before surgery. Documentation should occur,
but only after the nurse has consulted with the physician and anesthesiologist and has spoken
to the client.
REF: N/A
16. Which action is most appropriate during a preoperative chart review?
a. Ensure that the consent form is signed, dated, and witnessed.
b. Call the surgeon if the client has any food allergies.
c. Make sure all marks are washed off the surgical site.
d. Make sure the client understands the procedure.
ANS: A
During the preoperative chart review, the nurse should make sure that the consent form is
signed, dated, and witnessed. The nurse does not have to call the surgeon for food allergies,
nor should the marks be washed off the surgical site. The client should be taught about the
procedure before the preoperative chart review.
REF: p. 259
MSC: Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)
17. The nurse is caring for a client who will be undergoing emergency surgery as soon as
possible. Which information is most important for the nurse to teach the client at this time?
How the surgery will be performed
Importance of early ambulation after surgery
What to expect in the operating and recovery rooms
Complications that may occur after surgery
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: C
With only a few minutes before surgery, the nurse should tell the client what to expect in the
operating room and in the recovery room to minimize his or her anxiety. Although the other
information is important, the nurse needs to start with what is vital for the client to know right
now.
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity (Therapeutic Communication)
MSC: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
18. A client tells the nurse that he has an advance directive with durable power of attorney for
health care. The client asks how the advance directive will affect the surgery. What is the
nurses best response?
a. You will not be intubated during general anesthesia for the surgery.
b. There will be no effect on your surgery.
c. The surgical staff will resuscitate only if your heart stops during the operation.
d. If you are unable to make a decision, your designee will be asked.
ANS: D
The advance directive with durable power of attorney indicates whom the client wishes to
designate for medical decisions if he is unable to make decisions for himself. An advance
directive with power of attorney does not eliminate the need for intubation during surgery.
Although the document does not affect the procedure, simply acknowledging that fact does
not help the client understand. If the clients heart stops during the operation and the client has
not made his or her wishes known about that situation, the power of attorney would be
consulted.
REF: p. 252
TOP: Client Needs Category: Safe and Effective Care Environment (Management of CareAdvance
Directives
19. A client is brought to the hospital unconscious and needs emergency surgery. The clients only
family member cannot come to the hospital before the surgery. Which is the best option for
obtaining informed consent for the clients emergent surgery?
a. Proceed with surgery and have the family member sign the consent as soon as
possible.
b. Contact the family member by phone and obtain verbal consent with two witnesses.
c. Obtain written consultation with two surgeons that the surgery is needed.
d. Have the hospital administrator appoint a temporary legal guardian.
ANS: B
In the event that a family member cannot come to the hospital before the surgery needs to
begin, verbal consent should be obtained over the phone with two witnesses.
REF: N/A
Consent)
20. Four clients are scheduled for surgery. Which client does the nurse determine is at highest risk
for postsurgical complications?

89-year-old scheduled for a knee replacement
40-year-old requiring gallbladder surgery
19-year-old requiring a laparoscopy
10-year-old admitted for a tonsillectomy
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: A
The older client is at highest risk for postoperative complications. Older adults often have
multiple medical conditions, take several medications, are slightly dehydrated, and may have
cognitive or physical impairments that potentially could hinder their recovery from an
operation.
REF: N/A
21. The nurse is conducting preoperative assessments. Which client does the nurse teach about the
possibility of developing a venous thromboembolism (VTE)?

Client with a latex allergy
Client with body mass index (BMI) of 19
Client with an international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.2
Client undergoing hip replacement surgery
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
The client will have limited mobility following hip replacement surgery, increasing the risk of
postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The other conditions will not increase the risk
of VTE.
REF: N/A
22. The nurse applies antiembolism stockings to a client preoperatively. When the client says that
they are uncomfortably tight, what is the nurses best action?

Remove the stockings for an hour to relieve the pressure.
Pull the stockings down so that they are not constricting.
Measure the clients calf to ensure that they are the correct size.
Teach the client the purpose of wearing the stockings.
a.
b.
c.
d.
ANS: D
Thromboembolic disease (TED) stockings should feel slightly tight on the legs to promote
venous return and prevent the client from developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). The
nurse should not remove the stockings nor pull them down. The calf would have been
measured before the stockings were obtained.
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance (Principles of Teaching/Learning)
MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. The nurse is assessing a client before surgery. Which assessments contraindicate the client
having surgery as scheduled? (Select all that apply.)

Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
International normalized ratio (INR) of 4
Prothrombin time (PTT) of 30 seconds
Calcium level of 8.8 mEq/dL
Positive pregnancy test
Platelet count of 150,000
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
ANS: A, B, E
Hypokalemia, elevated bleeding times, and a positive pregnancy test could all contradict the
client having surgery as scheduled and could lead to complications. Normal PTT, normal
calcium, and normal platelet count would not contradict surgery.
REF: N/A

Values)
2. Which medications does the nurse correctly administer preoperatively? (Select all that apply.)
a. Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril) for sedation
b. Lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety
c. Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) to decrease postoperative secretions
d. Metoclopramide (Reglan) to increase stomach emptying
e. Aspirin to decrease blood clotting postoperatively
f. Cimetidine (Tagamet) to prevent infection
ANS: A, B, D
The nurse will administer hydroxyzine (Atarax) for sedation, lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety,
and metoclopramide (Reglan) to increase stomach emptying. Hydromorphone is given for
pain, and cimetidine (Tagamet) decreases histamine. Aspirin would not be administered
preoperatively because it can increase bleeding.
REF: N/A
Expected Actions/Outcomes) MSC:
Integrated Process: Nursing Process (Assessment)
3. The nurse is conducting preoperative teaching with a client who will be undergoing pelvic
surgery. What teaching is essential for this client? (Select all that apply.)
a. Wearing elastic stockings and using pneumatic compression devices are essential
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
after surgery.
Extended bedrest will help you heal after this type of surgery.
Coughing and deep breathing will help to decrease postoperative complications.
Turning and moving your legs after surgery will help prevent clots from forming.
You will need to have your abdomen shaved before surgery.
You cannot wear your hearing aid into the surgical suite.
ANS: A, C, D
A pneumatic compression device and elastic stockings will help prevent clots after pelvic
surgery. Coughing and deep breathing will help to decrease postoperative respiratory
complications. Turning and moving legs after surgery will also help prevent clots. Hearing
aids can be worn into the surgical suite because this will help communication before surgery.
Extended bedrest is not helpful, and shaving would not be necessary.
REF: N/A
TOP: Client Needs Category: Health Promotion and Maintenance (Principles of Teaching/Learning)
4. What data are essential for the nurse to assess on a client who is scheduled for surgery?
(Select all that apply.)

Use of tobacco
Current medications
Use of herbal or over-the-counter therapy
Mental status examination
Power of attorney
Allergies
Date of last tetanus shot
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
ANS: A, B, C, D, F
The client should be screened for things that may increase the risk of complications during
surgery. Smoking, certain medications and herbs, and allergies may increase a clients risk.
Mental status examination is essential to determine competency and ability to teach. The date
of the clients last tetanus shot is not required information from a preoperative chart review.
REF: p. 242
OTHER
1. The nurse is preparing to transfer a client to the operating room for surgery. Put the
interventions in order for the nurse to perform. (List in order of priority.)

a. Take a full set of vital signs.
b. Have the client go to the bathroom to void.
c. Ask the client to state his or her name and check the ID band.
d. Administer ordered preoperative sedation.
ANS:
c, b, a, d
First, the nurse should identify the client using two identifiers to ensure that the correct client
is being prepped for surgery. Next, the nurse should assist the client to the bathroom, then take
vital signs, then finally administer preoperative sedation once the client is in bed.
Accident/Injury Prevention)

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Chapter 16: Care of Preoperative Patients

cigarettes daily. Which action by the nurse is best?

has suffered a ruptured spleen. What is the immediate priority?

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher

potassium level is 2.9 mEq/mL. What is the nurses priority action?

next 2 hours is the nurse certain to communicate to the surgical team?

DIF: Cognitive Level: Application/Applying or higher

What is the nurses best response?

for postsurgical complications?

possibility of developing a venous thromboembolism (VTE)?

they are uncomfortably tight, what is the nurses best action?

having surgery as scheduled? (Select all that apply.)

TOP: Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity (Reduction of Risk PotentialLaboratory

(Select all that apply.)

interventions in order for the nurse to perform. (List in order of priority.)

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