Perioperative Care

Question 1

What are the three phases of perioperative care?

Answer 1

Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative.

Question 2

What happens during the preoperative phase?

Answer 2

Assessment, patient education, preparation for surgery.

Question 3

What happens during the intraoperative phase?

Answer 3

Surgical procedure, anesthesia administration, patient safety monitoring.

Question 4

What happens during the postoperative phase?

Answer 4

Recovery, complication prevention, pain management.

Question 5

What key factors should be included in a preoperative assessment?

Answer 5

Medical history, allergies, medications, smoking/alcohol use, NPO status, psychosocial factors.

Question 6

Why is smoking history important in preoperative assessment?

Answer 6

Increases the risk of postoperative respiratory complications.

Question 7

Why should a latex allergy be assessed before surgery?

Answer 7

Patients allergic to bananas or kiwi may have a latex allergy.

Question 8

What medications can affect the surgical experience?

Answer 8

Anticoagulants, opioids, thyroid medications, anticonvulsants, herbal supplements.

Question 9

What are key components of preoperative patient education?

Answer 9

Deep breathing, mobility exercises, pain management, NPO instructions.

Question 10

Why is incentive spirometry important for surgical patients?

Answer 10

Prevents atelectasis and promotes lung expansion.

Question 11

What are immediate preoperative nursing interventions?

Answer 11

Gowning patient, removing jewelry, administering preanesthetic meds, documentation, transport to OR.

Question 12

What special considerations are needed for older adult patients?

Answer 12

Higher risk of confusion, slower anesthesia metabolism, increased fall risk.

Question 13

What are perioperative concerns for obese patients?

Answer 13

Increased risk of wound dehiscence, hypoventilation, and infections.

Question 14

How should perioperative care be adapted for disabled patients?

Answer 14

Assess mobility limitations, communication needs, involve caregivers.

Question 15

What are the legal requirements for informed consent?

Answer 15

Must be signed before psychoactive meds, surgeon explains risks, nurse witnesses signature.

Question 16

What preoperative documents must accompany the patient to surgery?

Answer 16

Informed consent, preoperative records (health history, allergies, lab results).

Question 17

What is the ‘Time-Out’ protocol in surgery?

Answer 17

Final verification of correct patient, procedure, and surgical site before incision.

Question 18

What is the role of the circulating nurse?

Answer 18

Coordinates care, documents, ensures patient safety.

Question 19

What is the role of the scrub nurse or surgical technologist?

Answer 19

Prepares and hands sterile instruments to the surgeon.

Question 20

What is the role of the anesthesiologist or CRNA?

Answer 20

Administers and monitors anesthesia.

Question 21

What does the RN First Assistant (RNFA) do?

Answer 21

Assists the surgeon with suturing, hemostasis, and tissue handling.

Question 22

What is malignant hyperthermia?

Answer 22

A life-threatening reaction to anesthesia causing rapid fever, tachycardia, and muscle rigidity.

Question 23

What is the treatment for malignant hyperthermia?

Answer 23

Dantrolene, cooling measures, IV fluids.

Question 24

What intraoperative complications can occur from anesthesia?

Answer 24

Hypotension, allergic reactions, respiratory depression.

Question 25

How do positioning injuries occur during surgery?

Answer 25

Improper positioning can lead to nerve damage, pressure ulcers, and joint strain.

Question 26

What are the three main types of anesthesia?

Answer 26

General, regional (spinal/epidural), and local.

Question 27

What are the risks of general anesthesia?

Answer 27

Respiratory depression, aspiration, malignant hyperthermia.

Question 28

What are the advantages of regional anesthesia?

Answer 28

Patient remains awake, better postoperative pain control.

Question 29

What is a common side effect of spinal anesthesia?

Answer 29

Hypotension and spinal headache.

Question 30

What is the role of the nurse in anesthesia management?

Answer 30

Monitor vital signs, airway, pain, and signs of complications.

Question 31

What is the primary responsibility of the PACU nurse?

Answer 31

Maintain airway, monitor vital signs, prevent complications.

Question 32

Why is elevating the head of the bed important after surgery?

Answer 32

Helps maintain airway and prevents aspiration.

Question 33

What should the nurse do if a patient vomits postoperatively?

Answer 33

Turn patient to their side to prevent aspiration.

Question 34

What medications are commonly used for postoperative nausea and vomiting?

Answer 34

Ondansetron (Zofran), metoclopramide (Reglan), promethazine (Phenergan).

Question 35

What are signs of hypovolemic shock?

Answer 35

Pallor, weak pulse, hypotension, rapid breathing.

Question 36

How is hypovolemic shock managed?

Answer 36

IV fluids, oxygen, monitor vital signs.

Question 37

What are the signs of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Answer 37

Leg pain, swelling, redness, warmth.

Question 38

How can postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) be prevented?

Answer 38

Early ambulation, compression stockings, anticoagulants.

Question 39

What should a nurse do if wound dehiscence or evisceration occurs?

Answer 39

Cover wound with sterile saline dressing, place patient in low Fowler’s position, call surgeon immediately.

Question 40

What are the three types of wound healing?

Answer 40

Primary Intention, Secondary Intention, Tertiary Intention.

Question 41

What is tertiary intention wound healing?

Answer 41

Delayed closure due to infection risk.

Question 42

What is secondary intention wound healing?

Answer 42

Heals from inside out (e.g., pressure ulcer).

Question 43

What is primary intention wound healing?

Answer 43

Closed with sutures/staples (e.g., surgical incision)

Question 44

What factors affect wound healing?

Answer 44

Age, infection, poor nutrition, smoking, chronic disease (diabetes).

Question 45

What are the purposes of postoperative dressings?

Answer 45

Protect the wound, absorb drainage, prevent infection, immobilize if necessary.

Question 46

When should the first postoperative dressing change occur?

Answer 46

Per surgeon’s orders; usually the nurse can perform subsequent changes.