A preoperative nurse is caring for a patient who will undergo an ...

[karen]

A preoperative nurse is caring for a patient who will undergo an open breast biopsy. What action by the nurse takes priority?
 
  A.
  Ensure that an informed consent is signed and witnessed.
  B.
  Inventory and label all of the patient's belongings.
  C.
  Orient the patient's significant others to the waiting room.
  D.
  Premedicate the patient on arrival to the pre-op holding area.

Question 2

A nurse is reviewing the results of several patients' cholesterol and lipid screenings. For which patient is the action appropriate?
 
  A.
  HDL cholesterol 66 mg/dL: Evaluate patient for cardiovascular risk.
  B.
  LDL cholesterol 98 mg/dL: Instruct patient to take fish oil 3 gm daily.
  C.
  Total cholesterol 240 mg/dL: Teach heart-healthy lifestyle changes.
  D.
  Triglycerides 132 mg/dL: Refer to dietician for comprehensive diet education.

[kbennett34]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
All actions are appropriate, but the priority action is in ensuring that an informed consent form has been signed and properly witnessed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
A cholesterol below 200 mg/dL is desirable, so this patient's level is high. The nurse should plan to teach this patient about heart-healthy lifestyle changes. The other laboratory values are in the desirable range, so no action is necessary.

[karen]

Thank you

[kbennett34]

Happy to help you