Author Question: The nurse interviews a patient scheduled to undergo general anesthesia for a hernia repair. Which ... (Read 128 times)

CORALGRILL2014 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse interviews a patient scheduled to undergo general anesthesia for a hernia repair. Which information is most important to communicate to the surgeon and anesthesiologist before surgery?

a. The patient drinks 3 or 4 cups of coffee every morning before going to work.
b. The patient takes a baby aspirin daily but stopped taking aspirin 10 days ago.
c. The patient drank 4 ounces of apple juice 3 hours before coming to the hospital.
d. The patient's father died after receiving general anesthesia for abdominal surgery.

Question 2

Which statement by a patient scheduled for surgery is most important to report to the health care provider?

a. I had a heart valve replacement last year.
b. I had bacterial pneumonia 3 months ago.
c. I have knee pain whenever I walk or jog.
d. I have a strong family history of breast cancer.

kbennett34 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The information about the patient's father suggests that there may be a family history of malignant hyperthermia and that precautions may need to be taken to prevent this complication. Current research indicates that having clear liquids 3 hours before surgery does not increase the risk for aspiration in most patients. Patients are instructed to discontinue aspirin 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. The patient should be offered caffeinated beverages postoperatively to prevent a caffeine-withdrawal headache, but this does not have preoperative implications.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A patient with a history of valve replacement is at risk for endocarditis associated with invasive procedures and may need antibiotic prophylaxis. A current respiratory infection may affect whether the patient should have surgery, but a history of pneumonia is not a reason to postpone surgery. The patient's knee pain is the likely reason for the surgery. A family history of breast cancer does not have any implications for the current surgery.