A nurse in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) is caring for a 56-year-old male patient who had a hernia repair

The patient's blood pressure is now 164/92, he had no history of hypertension prior to surgery, and his preoperative blood pressure was 112/68. The nurse knows that hypertension following surgery is often related to:
A) Dysrhythmias, blood loss, and hyperthermia
B) Electrolyte imbalances and neurologic changes
C) A parasympathetic reaction and low blood volumes
D) Pain, hypoxia, or bladder distention, which all cause sympathetic stimulation


Ans: D
Feedback: Hypertension is common in the immediate postoperative period secondary to sympathetic nervous system stimulation from pain, hypoxia, or bladder distention. Options A and B are incorrect; dysrhythmias, blood loss, hyperthermia, electrolyte imbalances, and neurologic changes are not common postoperative reasons for hypertension. Option D is incorrect; a parasympathetic reaction and low blood volumes would cause hypotension.

Nursing

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