Answer to Question 1
B
Although it may be necessary to place a patient in an unusual position, try to maintain correct alignment and protect the patient from pressure, abrasion, and other injuries. Special mattresses, use of foam padding, and attachments to the operating suite table provide protection for the extremities and bony prominences. Bathing before surgery helps to decrease the number of microbes on the skin. Periodically adjusting the patient during the surgical procedure is impractical and can present a safety issue with regard to maintaining sterility of the field and maintaining an airway. Measuring the time the patient is in one position may help with monitoring the situation but does not prevent skin breakdown.
Answer to Question 2
C
The first action the nurse should take is to assess the client's respiratory rate. The nurse can then determine if it is within normal limits, and will be able to compare it with the previous measure-ment to determine if the client is breathing faster than before.
Stress may increase an individual's respiratory depth and rate as a result of sympathetic stimula-tion.
Lying flat prevents full chest expansion.
The nurse should count the respirations. Based on these findings, the nurse may or may not need to take the client's pulse. Assessing the pulse will not verify whether the client is breathing faster than before.
The liver in this photograph was from a deceased patient with an advanced state of cirrhosis.
Caring for a patient on isolation precautions
The patient's signature on the informed consent form indicates that the patient understands the
Preparing the Patient’s Skin for Surgical Procedures
Bilateral psoriasis on a patient’s knees.