Older patients are particularly subject to several postoperative ...

[ENagel]

Older patients are particularly subject to several postoperative complications. Which of the following arrays of symptoms is indicative of respiratory complications?
 
  A) Reduced activity and lowered resistance
  B) Fever and dehydration
  C) Negative chest X-ray thoracic distention
  D) Decreased lung sounds and a low-grade fever

Question 2

As she began to wake after surgery, Mrs. P became extremely restless. Which of the following should the recovery room nurse likely administer first?
 
  A) A narcotic to ease the pain
  B) Antibiotics to prevent an infection
  C) Electrolytes to correct an imbalance
  D) Oxygen to correct hypoxia

[Bsand8]

Answer to Question 1

D
Feedback:
Respiratory complications include pneumonia, pulmonary emboli, and atelectasis; with atelectasis there may be decreased lung sounds and low-grade fever, although a chest X-ray may not show the condition. Atelectasis increases the risk of the development of pneumonia.

Answer to Question 2

D
Feedback:
Restlessness after surgery may appear to be caused by pain, but is a symptom of hypoxia. Oxygen may even be given prophylactically, but narcotics may worsen the hypoxia. Antibiotics should never be given unless needed, and there is no indication that Mrs. P needs electrolytes.

[ENagel]

TYSM

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