The nurse is working in a postoperative care unit in an ambulatory surgery centre. Of the following patients that have come to have surgery, which one is at the greatest risk during surgery?
a. A 78-year-old taking an analgesic agent
b. A 43-year-old taking corticosteroids
c. A 27-year-old taking an anticoagulant agent
d. A 10-year-old taking an antibiotic agent
C
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A The 78-year-old patient taking an analgesic agent would not be at the greatest risk during surgery.
B The 43-year-old patient taking corticosteroids would not be at the greatest risk during surgery.
C Anticoagulants alter normal clotting factors and thus increase the risk of hemorrhaging during surgery.
D Aminoglycosides (a type of antibiotic) may cause mild respiratory depression from depressed neuromuscular transmission. However, the patient who has been taking anticoagulants is at greater risk during surgery.
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The physician ordered prazosin (Minipress), an alpha-adrenergic blocker, for the patient. The nurse plans to do medication education. What will the best plan of the nurse include?
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A client tells the nurse they are nervous about taking prescribed verapamil (Calan). Which response should the nurse provide the client?
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a. Weight b. Complete blood count c. Electrolytes d. Urine output