Author Question: Mrs. Hyatt just returned to the postsurgical unit after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor. ... (Read 94 times)

nautica902 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

Mrs. Hyatt just returned to the postsurgical unit after undergoing surgery to remove a lung tumor. During one of the postoperative vital sign checks,

the student nurse noted that Mrs. Hyatt's systolic blood pressure had dropped by 10 points within 30 minutes. In addition to the drop in systolic blood pressure, Mrs. Hyatt's skin was pale. Which of the following should the student nurse do first?
A. Report the findings to the nurse.
B. Retake the blood pressure with an automatic blood pressure machine.
C. Check Mrs. Hyatt's dressing.
D. Nothing; this is a normal occurrence following a thoracic surgery.

Question 2

Which of the following is the best way for a nurse to avoid being liable for malpractice?

A. Purchasing quality malpractice insurance coverage
B. Practicing nursing that meets the generally accepted standard of care
C. Not sharing his or her last name with patients and families
D. Not delegating any tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel

Fayaz00962 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
Signs and symptoms associated with hypotension include pallor, skin mottling, clamminess, confusion, dizziness, chest pain, increased heart rate, and decreased urine output. Hypotension is usually life threatening and needs to be reported to a physician immediately.

Answer to Question 2

B
The best way to avoid being liable for malpractice is to give nursing care that meets the generally accepted standard of care. In a malpractice lawsuit the law uses nursing standards of care to measure nursing conduct and to determine whether the nurse acted as any reasonably prudent nurse would act under the same or similar circumstances.