Nursing Considerations in Surgical and Postoperative Care Quiz

Test your knowledge with 11 questions on nursing considerations, interventions, and priorities in the perioperative period.

Practice Learn Test

Which of the following vital signs should be closely monitored in the immediate postoperative period to assess for shock?

Blood pressure

Temperature

Respiratory rate

Heart rate

Which nursing intervention is essential to prevent respiratory complications in the postoperative period?

Administering sedatives to promote rest

Encouraging coughing and deep breathing exercises

Limiting fluid intake to prevent pulmonary edema

Administering high-flow oxygen continuously

Which nursing assessment is most important during the immediate postoperative period for a patient who underwent general anesthesia?

Level of consciousness

Pain level

Skin integrity

Gastrointestinal function

What is the priority nursing action for a postoperative patient experiencing acute pain?

Administering pain medication as ordered

Encouraging relaxation techniques

Repositioning the patient

Providing distraction activities

Which nursing intervention is most appropriate immediately after surgery to prevent complications related to immobility?

Encourage the patient to perform deep breathing exercises.

Administer pain medication as ordered by the physician.

Instruct the patient to remain in bed for the next 24 hours.

Apply sequential compression devices (SCDs) to the patient's lower extremities.

A patient who had abdominal surgery is experiencing nausea and vomiting. What is the priority nursing action?

Administer an antiemetic medication as prescribed.

Encourage the patient to drink more fluids.

Notify the physician immediately.

Assess the patient's abdomen for signs of distention or tenderness.

Which nursing action is appropriate for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) in the postoperative period?

Administering prophylactic antibiotics after surgery

Applying heat packs to the surgical site

Changing the surgical dressing twice a day

Encouraging the patient to scratch around the incision site

Which factor contributes most significantly to the development of atelectasis in the postoperative patient?

Increased activity levels

Frequent coughing

Shallow breathing

Maintaining a supine position

Which nursing intervention is crucial to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in postoperative patients?

Elevating the head of the bed

Applying warm compresses to the legs

Encouraging ambulation as soon as possible

Limiting fluid intake to decrease urinary output

#10

Which nursing intervention is essential to prevent hypothermia in the postoperative patient?

Encouraging increased fluid intake

Applying ice packs to the axilla and groin

Keeping the patient warm with blankets

Administering antipyretic medications

#11

During the immediate postoperative period, which complication should the nurse prioritize to prevent in a patient who underwent orthopedic surgery?

Pneumonia

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Urinary retention

Wound infection