The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient with a history of obstructive sleep apnea. The nurse monitors for which of the following?
a. Choking and noisy, irregular respirations
b. Shallow respirations
c. Moaning and reports of pain
d. Disorientation
A
One of the greatest concerns after general anesthesia is airway obstruction. Choking and noisy, irregular respirations are classic signs and symptoms of airway obstruction. A number of factors contribute to obstruction, including a history of obstructive sleep apnea; weak pharyngeal/laryngeal muscle tone from anesthetics; secretions in the pharynx, bronchial tree, or trachea; and laryngeal or subglottic edema. In the postanesthetic patient, the tongue is a major cause of airway obstruction. Shallow respirations are indicative of respiratory depression. Moaning and reports of pain are common in all surgical patients and are an expected event. Disorientation is common when first awakening from anesthesia but can be a sign of hypoxia.
You might also like to view...
A client who is receiving diuretic therapy comes to the clinic for a follow-up visit. The client states that his mouth is often dry and that he is "urinating like there is no tomorrow."
Assessment reveals dry mucous membranes and decreased skin turgor. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse most likely identify? A) Risk for Injury B) Risk for Deficient Fluid Volume C) Impaired Urinary Elimination D) Deficient Knowledge
The unit is shifting from primary nursing to a team model in an effort to contain costs. Staff members are angry and ask for a meeting to discuss the change
After hearing their concerns re-lated to reduction in professional autonomy and care quality, you: a. Acknowledge the loss. b. Explain the reasons for change, empha-sizing the need to reduce costs. c. Repeat the information several times, giving detailed budget overviews. d. Adjourn the meeting and provide explana-tion through e-mail.
Two brothers, ages 5 and 7, are brought to the emergency
department with injuries they got from falling off a bicycle they were sharing. Neither is badly hurt, but the 5-year-old has a cut under his chin that will need stitches. He's frightened because it's bleeding. What should the nurse do to distract or calm the child until his chin can be sutured? A) Seat him where he can watch TV B) Tell him that big boys like him must be brave C) Reassure him that he won't run out of blood D) Allow him to keep his brother company while the brother is being treated
Part of the initial patient orientation to the unit must always include
A) routinely giving the patient a glass of water. B) obtaining a urine specimen. C) showing the patient how to use the call signal. D) listing the patient's medications.