A nurse is caring for an older adult client in the PACU following general anesthesia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Urine output 120 mL in 4 hr
Systolic blood pressure 12 mm Hg lower than the preoperative level
Audible stridor
Normal sinus rhythm with an occasional premature ventricular contraction
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Urine output of 120 mL in 4 hours is within acceptable limits, especially following anesthesia. Normal output can vary, but 30 mL/hr is often used as a guideline.
B. A systolic blood pressure that is only 12 mm Hg lower than preoperative levels may be concerning, but it does not necessarily require immediate reporting unless other symptoms are present.
C. Audible stridor is a sign of airway obstruction or severe respiratory distress and requires immediate medical attention. It should always be reported to the provider.
D. An occasional premature ventricular contraction (PVC) can be common postoperatively and may not necessitate reporting unless accompanied by significant symptoms or changes in hemodynamic status.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Surgical asepsis (sterile technique) should be used for suctioning to prevent infection, not medical asepsis.
B. Applying suction for no longer than 10 seconds is appropriate to prevent hypoxia and trauma to the airway.
C. Advancing the catheter 2 cm after resistance is met is not advised; the catheter should not be forced beyond resistance to avoid injury.
D. The catheter should not be withdrawn if the client begins coughing; instead, it indicates the need for suctioning. If coughing occurs, the nurse should ensure the patient can breathe and may need to suction carefully.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Concerns about participation in team sports are important, but they do not directly warrant a request for a high-frequency chest compression vest.
B. Discomfort with nebulizer treatments suggests the need for alternate therapies but does not specifically indicate a need for the vest.
C. A statement regarding a small amount of mucus after percussion therapy suggests that traditional methods of airway clearance may not be effective enough, indicating a need for a high-frequency chest compression vest to help mobilize mucus.
D. A fever may indicate an infection or exacerbation but does not directly relate to the need for a high-frequency chest compression vest.