how should a nurse assess a patients pain level post surgery
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam 2023

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient's pain level post-surgery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Using a pain rating scale is the most appropriate method to assess a patient's pain level post-surgery. Pain rating scales provide a standardized way for patients to communicate their pain intensity, allowing for accurate assessment and effective pain management. Checking vital signs (choice B) is important for monitoring a patient's overall health status but may not directly reflect their pain level. Observing for non-verbal cues (choice C) is valuable, but it may not always provide a clear indication of the pain intensity. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (choice D) is relevant for assessing respiratory status but does not directly evaluate the patient's pain level.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Eating more leafy green vegetables can increase vitamin K intake, which may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin. This can lead to fluctuations in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) levels, affecting the medication's efficacy. Choices A, C, and D are correct statements. Taking warfarin every other day, using a soft toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding, and having regular INR checks are all appropriate and important actions when taking warfarin.

3. A client is postoperative following cataract surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include for a client postoperative following cataract surgery is to avoid bending at the waist. Bending at the waist can increase intraocular pressure, which is not recommended after cataract surgery. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because lying flat for 24 hours after surgery may not be necessary, wearing an eye patch at night for a week is not a standard postoperative instruction for cataract surgery, and sleeping on the affected side may not necessarily reduce discomfort and can increase pressure on the eye.

4. A client is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypocalcemia?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Numbness and tingling of the fingers are classic signs of hypocalcemia, a condition that may result from inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands during a thyroidectomy. These symptoms occur due to decreased levels of calcium in the bloodstream affecting nerve function. Choices A, C, and D are not typical manifestations of hypocalcemia. Constipation is more associated with hypercalcemia, increased thirst can be seen in diabetes or dehydration, and frequent urination is a symptom more commonly linked to conditions like diabetes or urinary tract issues.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who had a stroke. What instruction should the nurse provide?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Take medications at the same time every day.' Consistency in medication administration is crucial for stroke recovery to maintain therapeutic drug levels in the body. Choice A, 'Avoid lifting more than 5 pounds,' though important to prevent strain, is not directly related to medication adherence. Choice B, 'Perform range-of-motion exercises daily,' is beneficial for overall recovery but is not specific to medication management. Choice D, 'Monitor blood pressure daily,' is important but does not address the key aspect of medication regimen adherence.

Similar Questions

A nurse is preparing to administer vancomycin IV to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced intimate partner violence. What is the nurse's priority?
A client has a new diagnosis of COPD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is planning assignments for a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who has been sent from the unit due to a staffing shortage. Which of the following clients should the nurse delegate to the LPN?
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has GERD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses