what are the common causes of postoperative pain and how should it be managed

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. What are the common causes of postoperative pain and how should it be managed?

A. Surgical incision and muscle tension
B. Nerve damage and wound complications
C. Hypotension and respiratory issues
D. Infection at the incision site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Postoperative pain is commonly caused by the surgical incision and muscle tension. The correct answer is A. Surgical incisions cause tissue damage, triggering pain responses. Muscle tension can result from factors like positioning during surgery or guarding due to pain. Managing postoperative pain caused by surgical incisions and muscle tension involves the use of analgesics to alleviate discomfort. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Nerve damage and wound complications may also cause pain but are not as common as surgical incisions and muscle tension. Hypotension and respiratory issues are not direct causes of postoperative pain. Infection at the incision site can lead to pain, but it is a specific complication rather than a common cause of postoperative pain.

2. A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

A. Limit social interactions
B. Demonstrate assertiveness
C. Follow a rigid schedule
D. Perform deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Demonstrate assertiveness.' For clients with dependent personality disorder, assertiveness training is crucial as it helps them become more independent and develop the skills to express their own needs and preferences effectively. Choice A ('Limit social interactions') is incorrect because promoting healthy social interactions is important for individuals with this disorder to build confidence and reduce dependency. Choice C ('Follow a rigid schedule') is incorrect as overly rigid schedules may exacerbate feelings of helplessness and dependence. Choice D ('Perform deep breathing exercises') is not directly related to addressing the core issues of dependent personality disorder, which primarily involve developing self-reliance and assertiveness.

3. Which of the following techniques should the nurse use when performing nasotracheal suctioning for a client?

A. Insert the suction catheter while the client is swallowing
B. Apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter
C. Place the catheter in a clean, dry location for later use
D. Hold the suction catheter with the non-dominant hand

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct technique when performing nasotracheal suctioning is to apply intermittent suction when withdrawing the catheter. This method helps reduce trauma to the mucosa by preventing prolonged suctioning. Choice A is incorrect because inserting the suction catheter while the client is swallowing may increase the risk of aspiration. Choice C is incorrect as placing the catheter in a clean, dry location for later use is not a safe practice as it can lead to contamination. Choice D is incorrect since it does not address the proper technique involved in nasotracheal suctioning.

4. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

5. What are the key factors in assessing a patient's fall risk?

A. Assess the patient's age and mobility
B. Evaluate the patient's medication list for sedatives
C. Assess the patient's vision and hearing
D. Check for recent falls and cognitive impairment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Assessing the patient's age and mobility are key factors in determining fall risk. Age can affect balance and reaction time, while mobility influences the patient's stability. Choices B, C, and D are important considerations in assessing a patient's fall risk as well, but age and mobility play a more direct role in determining the patient's susceptibility to falls.