Author Question: The nurse is caring for a preoperative patient who has just received sedation prior to general ... (Read 33 times)

FButt · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is caring for a preoperative patient who has just received sedation prior to general anesthesia in the OR. What is the priority action of the nurse?

a. Check to make sure that the consent form was signed.
b. Turn off the lights and provide a quiet environment.
c. Raise the side rails on the patient's stretcher.
d. Indicate the surgical site with an indelible marker.

Question 2

After general anesthesia is administered, the patient is carefully placed in the prone position. What is the primary consideration of the nursing staff as the patient is positioned?

a. Making sure that the patient's endotracheal tube does not become kinked
b. Ensuring that the patient's head is positioned to prevent cervical nerve injury
c. Carefully taping the patient's eyes shut to avoid corneal abrasions
d. Padding the operating table carefully and keeping linens free of wrinkles

jojobee318 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Safety of the preoperative patient is a priority after sedation has been administered. Raising the side rails of the stretcher will help prevent the patient from falling. Turning off the lights is nice but is not a priority. Marking the surgical site and signing the consent form must be performed prior to administration of sedation.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Ensuring that the patient's respiratory status is not compromised is the priority of all staff during repositioning after general anesthesia has been administered. Positioning and protection of eyes is important but less than protection of the endotracheal tube patency.