what is the most important nursing assessment post surgery
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam 2023

1. What is the most important nursing assessment post-surgery?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor vital signs post-surgery. Vital signs encompass various parameters like blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Monitoring vital signs helps in early detection of complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or shock. While monitoring the surgical site and incision site are also essential post-surgery, monitoring vital signs takes precedence as it provides a broader assessment of the patient's overall condition. Monitoring blood pressure is part of vital sign assessment and is not the most comprehensive assessment post-surgery.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a client with a history of depression who is experiencing a situational crisis. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Confirming the client's perception of the event is crucial in understanding how they are interpreting the crisis situation. This helps the nurse gain insight into the client's perspective, emotions, and needs. By validating the client's perception, the nurse can establish trust and rapport, which are essential in providing effective support during a crisis. Notifying the client's support system (Choice B) may be important but should come after understanding the client's perspective. Helping the client identify personal strengths (Choice C) and teaching relaxation techniques (Choice D) are valuable interventions but should follow the initial step of confirming the client's perception to ensure individualized care.

3. A client is 2 days postoperative following a hip replacement surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Redness and warmth in the calf can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a serious complication following hip replacement surgery. It is crucial to report this finding promptly for further evaluation and intervention. The other options, heart rates of 88/min and 96/min, are within normal limits for an adult and may not require immediate reporting. A urine output of 30 mL/hr is concerning for decreased kidney perfusion, but the priority in this case is the potential DVT due to its severe implications.

4. A nurse is preparing to perform a bladder scan for a client who has overflow incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to prepare the client for urinary catheterization. Overflow incontinence may indicate bladder distention, where a bladder scan helps assess the need for catheterization. Placing the client in a supine position (Choice A) is not directly related to the procedure. Obtaining a prescription for an indwelling catheter (Choice B) is not necessary before performing a bladder scan. Cleansing the client's abdomen with an antiseptic solution (Choice C) is not specific to preparing for a bladder scan in this situation.

5. A client is receiving morphine for pain management. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 10/min indicates respiratory depression, a serious adverse effect of morphine that should be reported immediately. While a heart rate of 88/min, pain rating of 4, and a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) are within normal ranges and do not indicate immediate concern related to morphine administration.

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