The nurse has completed a preoperative assessment for a patient going to surgery and gathers assessment data. Of the following, which would be the most important next step?
a. Notify the operating suite that the patient has a latex allergy.
b. Document that the patient had a bath at home this morning.
c. Ask the nursing assistant to obtain vital signs.
d. Administer the ordered preoperative intravenous antibiotic.
A
Innumerable products that contain latex are used in the operating suite and the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). When preparing for a patient with this allergy, special considerations are required from preparation of the room to the types of tubes, gloves, drapes, and instruments utilized. To ensure that the patient has a safe environment takes time, and if the correct supplies are not available, awaiting their arrival may cancel or delay the case. Obtaining vital signs, documenting, and administering medications are all part of the process and should be done—with the latex allergy in mind. However, making sure that the patient has a safe environment is the first step.
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The nurse is explaining the inheritance of Huntington disease to a newly diagnosed patient whose partner does not have the gene mutation. Which statement should the nurse make regarding family planning?
A) There is a 0% chance with each pregnancy that the child will inherit the gene for Huntington disease. B) There is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that the child will inherit the gene for Huntington disease. C) There is a 50% chance with each pregnancy that the child will inherit the gene for Huntington disease. D) There is a 100% chance with each pregnancy that the child will inherit the gene for Huntington disease.
A patient for whom phenelzine (Nardil) is prescribed complains of a sudden headache and palpitations. The nurse observes dilated pupils and diaphoresis. The nurse's first action should be
a. assess for cogwheel rigidity. b. notify the health care provider. c. assess the patient's blood pressure. d. withhold the morning dose of phenelzine.
A patient has symptoms that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS). Which diagnostic tests are likely to be ordered to aid in the diagnosis of this patient?
a. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunoglobulin G and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) b. CSF proteins and an angiography c. Serum albumin and a computed tomography (CT) scan d. Serum anti-acetylcholine antibodies and x-rays
Which insurance plan was the first to allow members to choose nurse practitioners as their primary care provider and pay them the same rate as physicians for the same care?
a. Blue Cross/Blue Shield b. Medicare/Medicaid c. The Oxford Health Plan d. United Health Insurance