Assessing the postoperative client's level of consciousness is a priority because a change in the level of consciousness may be the first indication that which of these complications has occurred?

a. a stroke or increased intracranial pressure
b. an adverse reaction to anesthetic agents or postoperative medications
c. fluid and electrolyte imbalances or hypoxia
d. sleep deprivation or sensory input overload


A
Change in a client's level of consciousness reveals changes in the oxygenation of the brain and may indicate such complications as stroke or myocardial infarction.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A nurse obtains the health history of a client who is newly admitted to the medical unit. Which statement by the client should alert the nurse to the presence of edema?

a. "I wake up to go to the bathroom at night." b. "My shoes fit tighter by the end of the day." c. "I seem to be feeling more anxious lately." d. "I drink at least eight glasses of water a day."

Nursing

The patient is in a critical care unit after an acute head injury and has developed respiratory and ventilatory failure and hypotension. What effect will this development have on the patient's cerebral perfusion pressure?

A) Elevated above 100 mm Hg B) Reduced below 60 mm Hg C) Will make it very labile D) Will have very little effect

Nursing

A client is admitted to a local health care facility for chronic insomnia. The primary health care provider prescribes eszopiclone. Which of the following would the nurse encourage the client to avoid when teaching the client about this drug?

A) Strenuous work B) Alcohol consumption C) Tobacco use D) Direct sunlight

Nursing

Cryptorchidism increases the risk for testicular carcinoma

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Nursing