The PACU nurse is caring for a semiconscious patient immediately ...

[saliriagwu]

The PACU nurse is caring for a semiconscious patient immediately following abdominal surgery. The nurse correctly places the patient in which position?
 
  a. Supine
  b. Semi-Fowler
  c. Lateral
  d. Trendelenburg

Question 2

The nurse is assessing the patient's crutches. Which observation confirms that the crutches are sized correctly?
 
  a. The crutches are the same height as the patient's shoulders.
  b. The crutches are approximately 12 inches shorter than the patient's shoulders.
  c. The crutches are approximately 16 inches shorter than the patient's height.
  d. The crutches are tall enough to allow the patient's arms to be fully extended when walking.

[6ana001]

Answer to Question 1

C
Aspiration is a high-risk complication during this phase of recovery and can best be prevented by placing the unconscious or semiconscious patient on the side with head turned to the side.

Answer to Question 2

C
Crutches should be about 16 inches (40 cm) shorter than the patient's height. When in the stand-ing position with axillary crutches, the axillary bar should be two finger breadths below the axilla. The elbow should be flexed at a 30-degree angle when the palms of the hands rest on the handgrip. It is important that the patient not rest the body at the axilla on the top of the crutch; body weight should be borne by the arms on the hand rests of the crutches. If crutches are too long, pressure on the axilla will occur and can cause nerve and circulatory impairment.

[saliriagwu]

TYSM

[Chelseyj.hasty]

Excellent