Author Question: The nursing student observing in the perioperative area notes the unique functions of the ... (Read 81 times)

jCorn1234 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nursing student observing in the perioperative area notes the unique functions of the circulating nurse, which include which roles? (Select all that apply.)

a. Ensuring the client's safety
b. Accounting for all sharps
c. Documenting all care given
d. Maintaining the sterile field
e. Monitoring traffic in the room

Question 2

A client in the operating room has developed malignant hyperthermia. The client's potassium is 6.5 mEq/L. What action by the nurse takes priority?

a. Administer 10 units of regular insulin.
b. Administer nifedipine (Procardia).
c. Assess urine for myoglobin or blood.
d. Monitor the client for dysrhythmias.

sultana.d · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, E
The circulating nurse has several functions, including maintaining client safety and privacy, monitoring traffic in and out of the operating room, assessing fluid losses, reporting findings to the surgeon and anesthesia provider, anticipating needs of the team, and communicating to the family. The circulating nurse and scrub person work together to ensure accurate counts of sharps, sponges, and instruments. The circulating nurse also documents care, but in the perioperative area, the preoperative or holding room nurse would also document care received there. Maintaining the sterile field is a joint responsibility among all members of the surgical team.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
For hyperkalemia in a client with malignant hyperthermia, the nurse administers 10 units of regular insulin in 50 mL of 50 dextrose. This will force potassium back into the cells rapidly. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and dysrhythmias, and should not be used in a client with malignant hyperthermia. Assessing the urine for blood or myoglobin is important, but does not take priority. Monitoring the client for dysrhythmias is also important due to the potassium imbalance, but again does not take priority over treating the potassium imbalance.