Surgical Nursing for Adults: Master Preoperative, Intraoperative, and Postoperative Care

Question 1

What is a key nursing action to prevent a surgical patient from becoming too cold before surgery?

Accepted Answer

Using warm blankets and giving warmed intravenous fluids

Answer

Giving antibiotics

Answer

Helping the patient lie on their side

Question 2

What is the primary goal of preoperative nursing care?

Accepted Answer

Preparing the patient both physically and emotionally for surgery

Answer

Minimizing postoperative pain

Answer

Optimizing the patient's nutritional status

Answer

Reducing the risk of surgical site infection

Question 3

When administering pain medication via Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which route of administration is typically used?

Accepted Answer

Intravenous

Answer

Intramuscular

Answer

Epidural

Answer

Subcutaneous

Question 4

Which of the following principles is essential for effective surgical wound care?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a moist wound environment

Answer

Keeping the wound dressing in place for extended periods

Answer

Using copious amounts of antiseptic solutions

Answer

Applying a dry dressing at all times

Question 5

During the preoperative assessment, which of the following findings would indicate an increased risk for potential postoperative respiratory complications?

Accepted Answer

History of smoking

Answer

Absence of a family history of respiratory conditions

Answer

Well-controlled diabetes

Answer

Optimal body weight

Question 6

When assisting a patient with ambulation after surgery, which nursing action should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Creating a safe and supportive environment

Answer

Monitoring the patient's vital signs every 15 minutes

Answer

Allowing the patient to walk as far as they are able without assistance

Answer

Encouraging the patient to use a wheelchair rather than walking

Question 7

When caring for a patient with a nasogastric tube (NGT), what aspect of care requires the highest priority in nursing assessment?

Accepted Answer

Assessing for aspiration risk

Answer

Inspecting skin integrity around the insertion site

Answer

Evaluating electrolyte balance

Answer

Monitoring nutritional status

Question 8

Which of the following is a fundamental principle for effective surgical wound management?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a moist wound environment

Answer

Delaying wound closure

Answer

Applying heat to the wound site

Answer

Exposing the wound to air

Question 9

For a patient with cognitive impairment, which pain assessment tool would be most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral Pain Scale

Answer

Numeric Rating Scale

Answer

Verbal Descriptor Scale

Answer

McGill Pain Questionnaire

Question 10

What is the primary objective of preoperative teaching and counseling?

Accepted Answer

To prepare and empower the patient for surgery and recovery

Answer

To provide a detailed overview of the surgical procedure

Answer

To obtain informed consent from the patient

Answer

To address patient fears and concerns

Question 11

Which type of suture material is designed to be absorbed by the body over time?

Accepted Answer

Chromic gut

Answer

Nylon

Answer

Stainless steel

Answer

Silk

Question 12

During a surgical procedure, why is it crucial to establish and maintain a sterile field?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the risk of surgical site infection

Answer

To create a comfortable environment for the patient

Answer

To ensure proper lighting for the surgical team

Answer

To facilitate efficient communication within the operating room

Question 13

Which responsibility does NOT fall within the scope of an operating room nurse's duties?

Accepted Answer

Providing emotional support and counseling to the patient

Answer

Assisting the surgical team with procedures

Answer

Maintaining sterility and a safe surgical environment

Answer

Monitoring the patient's vital signs

Question 14

When planning for the discharge of a surgical patient, what is the paramount consideration?

Accepted Answer

The patient's readiness for self-care and independence

Answer

The patient's financial situation

Answer

The surgeon's postoperative instructions

Answer

The availability of home health services

Question 15

The primary objective of wound care in surgical patients is:

Accepted Answer

To promote wound healing and prevent infection.

Answer

To reduce the risk of surgical site complications.

Answer

To facilitate early patient mobilization and recovery.

Answer

To maintain patient comfort and minimize pain.

Question 16

During the preoperative preparation, one of the nurse's most critical responsibilities is:

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from the patient to proceed with the surgical procedure.

Answer

Providing postoperative care instructions and answering the patient's questions.

Answer

Documenting the patient's medical history and allergies accurately.

Answer

Assisting the surgeon with the surgical procedure in the operating room.

Question 17

Which of the following is recognized as a major risk factor for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged periods of immobilization, such as being bedridden or having limited mobility after surgery.

Answer

Normal body weight and absence of obesity.

Answer

Young age and lack of previous medical conditions.

Answer

Absence of a family history of DVT.

Question 18

A key element of effective patient education in surgical nursing involves:

Accepted Answer

Providing clear and concise instructions in a manner that the patient can easily understand.

Answer

Avoiding answering the patient's questions to prevent overwhelming them.

Answer

Using medical jargon and technical terms to demonstrate expertise.

Answer

Rushing through the information to save time.

Question 19

Following a total hip replacement, which postoperative complication is the patient most likely to experience?

Accepted Answer

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Answer

Hypothyroidism

Answer

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Question 20

Which measure is **most** effective in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs)?

Accepted Answer

Meticulously adhering to aseptic technique during surgical procedures.

Answer

Ensuring adequate hydration after surgery.

Answer

Administering prophylactic antibiotics before surgery.

Question 21

When a patient reports severe pain after abdominal surgery, what should be the **initial** nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Assess the patient's pain level using a standardized pain assessment tool.

Answer

Administer analgesics as prescribed.

Answer

Encourage deep breathing exercises.

Question 22

A patient who has undergone a laparoscopic appendectomy has a small amount of serosanguinous drainage on their dressing. What is the **most** appropriate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Document the observation and continue monitoring the wound for changes.

Answer

Notify the surgeon immediately.

Answer

Change the dressing promptly.

Answer

Apply pressure to the wound.

Question 23

In the immediate postoperative period, which assessment is **most** critical?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.

Answer

Level of consciousness and pain.

Answer

Temperature and blood glucose levels.

Answer

Blood pressure and pulse rate.

Question 24

For a patient with a large incisional hernia, which nursing intervention is **most** crucial in preventing further complications?

Accepted Answer

Instruct the patient to avoid straining or lifting heavy objects.

Answer

Administer stool softeners as prescribed.

Answer

Monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of infection.

Question 25

A patient with a colostomy is experiencing frequent episodes of diarrhea. Which nursing action is **most** effective in managing this issue?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the patient's diet and fluid intake.

Answer

Change the colostomy bag more often.

Answer

Administer antidiarrheal medications.

Answer

Increase the frequency of colostomy irrigation.

Question 26

Prior to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which nursing action is of utmost importance?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient has adhered to the preoperative fasting protocol.

Answer

Performing a comprehensive head-to-toe assessment.

Answer

Administering prescribed pain medication.

Question 27

During the postoperative period following major abdominal surgery, which assessment finding warrants immediate attention as a potential complication?

Accepted Answer

Progressive abdominal distention.

Answer

Discomfort at the incision site.

Answer

Reduced urine output.

Answer

A mild elevation in temperature.

Question 28

For a patient receiving anticoagulant therapy for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which nursing intervention is essential to monitor the therapy's effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Regularly assessing for signs and symptoms indicative of bleeding.

Answer

Monitoring vital signs every four hours.

Answer

Encouraging ambulation as tolerated.

Question 29

Which nursing intervention is considered the cornerstone for preventing surgical site infections?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining meticulous hand hygiene at all times.

Answer

Administering prescribed antibiotics.

Answer

Employing sterile technique during wound care procedures.

Answer

Monitoring the patient's temperature regularly.

Question 30

Which pain management approach has been demonstrated to be the most effective for alleviating severe postoperative pain?

Accepted Answer

Multimodal analgesia, utilizing a combination of different pain relievers.

Answer

Relying solely on opioid analgesics.

Answer

Administering placebo treatments.

Answer

Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone.

Question 31

In the event that a patient experiences respiratory distress postoperatively, which immediate nursing action should be taken?

Accepted Answer

Promptly elevating the head of the bed.

Answer

Administering oxygen therapy.

Answer

Assessing vital signs.

Answer

Notifying the physician.

Question 32

Which nursing intervention is paramount in preventing hip prosthesis dislocation following hip replacement surgery?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining proper positioning through the use of pillows and abduction devices.

Answer

Administering prescribed pain medication.

Answer

Encouraging early ambulation.

Question 33

What is the cornerstone of patient education prior to surgery?

Accepted Answer

Thoroughly explaining the surgical procedure and the anticipated recovery process.

Answer

Providing information on hospital visiting policies.

Answer

Discussing the patient's financial responsibilities.

Question 34

When discharging a patient home after surgery, which aspect is of utmost importance to ensure a successful transition?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that both the patient and their family fully comprehend the follow-up care instructions.

Answer

Providing the patient with a list of local dining options.

Answer

Arranging transportation for the patient's return home.

Question 35

Which nursing intervention is most likely to alleviate postoperative nausea and vomiting?

Accepted Answer

Administering prescribed antiemetic medications.

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed.

Answer

Restricting dietary intake.

Answer

Encouraging oral fluid intake.

Question 36

During the preoperative phase of surgical care, what is a key nursing intervention that focuses on patient empowerment?

Accepted Answer

Providing comprehensive patient education and support

Answer

Administering preoperative antibiotics as ordered

Answer

Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

Answer

Performing a surgical skin preparation

Question 37

Which wound closure technique involves directly approximating wound edges using staples or sutures?

Accepted Answer

Primary closure

Answer

Delayed primary closure

Answer

Secondary closure

Answer

Tertiary closure

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a typical sign of a surgical site infection (SSI)?

Accepted Answer

Normal wound drainage

Answer

Purulent drainage

Answer

Redness and swelling around the incision

Answer

Increased pain and tenderness

Question 39

What is the primary goal of pain management in the postoperative period?

Accepted Answer

To effectively relieve pain and prevent potential complications

Answer

To reduce inflammation

Answer

To sedate the patient

Answer

To improve patient mobility

Question 40

Which vital sign parameter is considered essential for immediate postoperative monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Vital signs, including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure

Answer

Neurological function

Answer

Pain level

Answer

Wound status

Question 41

Why is aseptic technique crucial during surgical procedures?

Accepted Answer

To prevent the introduction of microorganisms and minimize the risk of infection

Answer

To promote faster wound healing

Answer

To reduce patient pain during surgery

Answer

To control bleeding effectively

Question 42

Which factor significantly increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged immobility during surgery and recovery

Answer

Young age

Answer

Normal body weight

Answer

Female gender

Question 43

What is the primary responsibility of a scrub nurse during a surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Preparing and passing sterile surgical instruments to the surgeon

Answer

Providing postoperative care

Answer

Performing the surgical incision

Answer

Monitoring the patient's vital signs

Question 44

Which nursing intervention is most effective in promoting patient comfort in the postoperative period?

Accepted Answer

Repositioning the patient regularly and providing comfortable bedding

Answer

Administering pain medication every 4 hours

Answer

Encouraging the patient to ambulate early

Answer

Restricting fluids and food intake

Question 45

What is the main role of a circulating nurse during a surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining a sterile environment in the operating room and assisting the surgical team

Answer

Performing the surgical intervention

Answer

Providing anesthesia to the patient

Question 46

Which of the following is an essential preoperative nursing intervention to reduce the risk of surgical site infection (SSI)?

Accepted Answer

Patient education on personal hygiene measures

Answer

Administering prophylactic antibiotics

Answer

Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter

Answer

Shaving the surgical site with a razor

Question 47

During intraoperative nursing, which of the following patient monitoring parameters is of highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Oxygen saturation

Answer

Body temperature

Answer

Pupillary response

Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale score

Question 48

Which type of surgical wound drainage is appropriate for wounds with moderate to large amounts of drainage?

Accepted Answer

Closed wound suction drain

Answer

Jackson-Pratt drain

Answer

Hemovac drain

Answer

Penrose drain

Question 49

In the postoperative period, which of the following pain management techniques is considered the gold standard for acute pain control?

Accepted Answer

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump

Answer

Heat or cold therapy

Answer

Intravenous injection of opioids

Answer

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Question 50

Which of the following nursing diagnoses is commonly associated with surgical patients experiencing pain?

Accepted Answer

Acute pain

Answer

Anxiety

Answer

Disturbed body image

Answer

Impaired physical mobility

Question 51

When providing discharge instructions to a patient with a surgical wound, which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Instruct the patient to keep the wound dry and clean

Answer

Advise the patient to remove the dressing and inspect the wound daily

Answer

Encourage the patient to soak the wound in water twice a day

Question 52

Which of the following is a risk factor for pressure ulcers in surgical patients?

Accepted Answer

Prolonged immobilization

Answer

Good nutritional status

Answer

Young age

Answer

Absence of incontinence

Question 53

Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention to promote deep breathing exercises in a postoperative patient?

Accepted Answer

Use of incentive spirometer

Answer

Administration of oxygen

Answer

Application of chest straps

Answer

Insertion of nasopharyngeal airway