Author Question: A patient is awaiting surgery. The nurse's best rationale for assessing vital signs is to do which ... (Read 44 times)

storky111 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A patient is awaiting surgery. The nurse's best rationale for assessing vital signs is to do which of the following?

a. Assess the patient's anxiety level.
b. Determine the patient's basal temperature.
c. Establish a baseline for vital signs comparisons.
d. Assess for any changes that may indicate infection.

Question 2

A nurse is giving a change-of-shift report. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Exchange judgments made about the patient's attitudes.
b. Include a description of how to perform procedures.
c. Provide a concise and organized description of the patient's normal findings.
d. Make walking rounds with the nurse coming on duty to review the patient's status and needs.

BUTTHOL369 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Preoperative vital signs provide a baseline for intraoperative and postoperative comparison, because anesthetic agents and medications can alter vital signs. Preoperative assessment of vital signs is also important to detect fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. An elevated temperature is cause for concern. If a patient has an underlying infection, elective surgery will often be postponed until the infection is treated or resolved.

Answer to Question 2

D
A change-of-shift report is a hand-off and provides information to ensure continuity and individualized care for patients. Walking rounds allow the nurse to obtain immediate feedback when questions arise about a patient's plan of care. Walking rounds are one type of shift report used by health care facilities. Report elements should not include normal findings or routine information retrievable from other sources or derogatory or inappropriate comments about a patient or family. A description of how to perform procedures is located in a policy and procedure manual.