Author Question: A postoperative client has just been admitted to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). What ... (Read 45 times)

EAugust · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A postoperative client has just been admitted to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). What assessment by the PACU nurse takes priority?

a. Airway
b. Bleeding
c. Breathing
d. Cardiac rhythm

Question 2

A postoperative client vomited. After cleaning and comforting the client, which action by the nurse is most important?

a. Allow the client to rest.
b. Auscultate lung sounds.
c. Document the episode.
d. Encourage the client to eat dry toast.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Assessing the airway always takes priority, followed by breathing and circulation. Bleeding is part of the circulation assessment, as is cardiac rhythm.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Vomiting after surgery has several complications, including aspiration. The nurse should listen to the client's lung sounds. The client should be allowed to rest after an assessment. Documenting is important, but the nurse needs to be able to document fully, including an assessment. The client should not eat until nausea has subsided.