An older adult has been transferred to the postoperative ...

[elizabeth18]

An older adult has been transferred to the postoperative inpatient unit after surgery. The family is concerned that the client is not waking up quickly and states She needs to get back to her old self What response by the nurse is best?
 
  a. Everyone comes out of surgery differently.
  b. Let's just give her some more time, okay?
  c. She may have had a stroke during surgery.
  d. Sometimes older people take longer to wake up.

Question 2

A nurse is preparing a client for discharge after surgery. The client needs to change a large dressing and manage a drain at home. What instruction by the nurse is most important?
 
  a. Be sure you keep all your postoperative appointments.
  b. Call your surgeon if you have any questions at home.
  c. Eat a diet high in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin C.
  d. Wash your hands before touching the drain or dressing.

[yahahah24021]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Due to age-related changes, it may take longer for an older adult to metabolize anesthetic agents and pain medications, making it appear that they are taking too long to wake up and return to their normal baseline cognitive status. The nurse should educate the family on this possibility. While everyone does react differently, this does not give the family any objective information. Saying Let's just give her more time, okay? sounds patronizing and again does not provide information. While an intraoperative stroke is a possibility, the nurse should concentrate on the more common occurrence of older clients taking longer to fully arouse and awake.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
All options are appropriate for the client being discharged after surgery. However, for this client who is changing a dressing and managing a drain, infection control is the priority. The nurse should instruct the client to wash hands often, including before and after touching the dressing or drain.