Upon receiving the client from the postanesthesia care unit, ...

[Metfan725]

Upon receiving the client from the postanesthesia care unit, which nursing action is the priority?
 
  1. Apply clean linens to the bed.
  2. Assemble required equipment, such as suction, IV pole, or oxygen equipment.
  3. Assess the client.
  4. Notify the family of the client's return to the room.

Question 2

The nurse administers the preoperative medication to the client 1 hour before elective surgery, and then discovers the preoperative consent is not signed. Which action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
 
  1. Have the client sign the consent quickly, before the medication begins taking effect.
  2. Have a family member or medical power of attorney sign the consent.
  3. Send the client to the holding area without a signed consent.
  4. Notify the health care provider that surgery will need to be canceled.

[Liddy]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3

The priority action for the nurse is to perform a thorough assessment of the client's condition. Clean linens should be applied to the bed as soon as the client leaves for surgery or upon notification that the client will be coming to the unit. Equipment should be gathered in advance and set up to be ready when the client returns. Only after assessing the client would the nurse notify family members.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4

The nurse will notify the health care provider, who will need to cancel surgery until the preoperative medication is excreted and no longer affecting the client's ability to make informed decisions, at which time the consent can be signed. The nurse cannot have the client sign the consent once the preoperative medication has been administered, because it affects the client's ability to reason. Emergency surgery, in some facilities, may be performed if a family member or medical power of attorney signs the consent when the client is unable to do so, but elective surgery requires the client's signature if she is capable of making a reasoned decision.