The Client Having Surgery : Info from Mosby's Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker - E-Book – Sheila A. Sorrentino, Leighann Remmert, Mary J. Wilk, Rosemary Newmaster

Question 1

The loss of feeling or sensation produced by a medication that blocks the pain impulses to the brain; usually causes loss of consciousness.

Answer 1

anesthesia

Question 2

A blood clot, an air bubble, or a fat clot (a thrombus ) that travels through the vascular system and finally lodges in a distant blood vessel.

Answer 2

embolus

Question 3

Unconsciousness and the loss of feeling or sensation produced by a medication.

Answer 3

general anesthesia

Question 4

The loss of sensation in a small area, produced by a medication injected at the specific site or by a topical application.

Answer 4

local anesthesia

Question 5

A blood clot, an air bubble, or a fat clot that forms in a blood vessel.

Answer 5

thrombus

Question 6

Surgery that must be done soon to prevent further damage, disability, or disease.

Answer 6

urgent surgery

Question 7

surgery that does not require a hospital stay

Answer 7

outpatient surgery (also called ambulatory surgery , one-day surgery , or same-day surgery ),

Question 8

surgery that is scheduled but non-urgent. Delaying the surgery does not result in permanent damage, disability, or death.

Answer 8

elective surgery

Question 9

surgery that must be done immediately to save a client’s life or prevent disability.

Answer 9

emergency surgery

Question 10

Common fears about surgery are:

Answer 10

• Disfigurement and scarring • Disability • Pain during and after surgery • Dying during surgery • Anesthesia and its effects • Exposure • Severe pain or discomfort after surgery • Tubes, needles, and other equipment used for care • Complications • Prolonged recovery • More surgery or treatments • Separation from family and friends • Nausea and vomiting

Question 11

Common concerns about surgery are:

Answer 11

• Caring for children and other family members • Taking care of pets, the house, lawn, and garden • Payment of monthly bills, loans, mortgage, or rent • Insurance coverage for loss of earnings • Loss of control • Restrictions on lifestyle

Question 12

PSWs can witness consent for surgery.

T or F

Answer 12

False

as this is not in their scope of practice.

Question 13

A client asks you to reveal information about the results of their surgery. How should you respond?

Answer 13

Explain that you cannot give it and that you will get your supervisor to provide that information. Ensure that you report to your supervisor your client’s concerns and questions so that the supervisor can answer the questions or direct the client to the doctor, who can address these issues.

Question 14

The PSW role in psychological care before surgery is to:

Answer 14

• Listen to the client when the client voices fears or concerns about surgery. • Refer any questions about the surgery or its results to the nurse. • Explain to the client the procedures that you will perform and the reasons for them. • Communicate effectively. Use verbal and non-verbal communication. • Report to your supervisor verbal and non-verbal signs of fear or anxiety that you have observed in the client. • Report to your supervisor a client’s request to see a spiritual advisor.

Question 15

CBC stands for

Answer 15

Complete blood count

Question 16

ECG stands for

Answer 16

Electrocardiogram

Question 17

If a client is NPO, you should remove the water pitcher and drinking glasses from the room.
T or F

Answer 17

True

Question 18

Cleansing enemas are common before intestinal surgeries.

T or F

Answer 18

True
They are ordered to clear the colon of feces so that feces do not spill into the abdominal cavity when the intestine is opened.

Question 19

All surgeries will necessitate urinary catheterization.

T or F

Answer 19

False
Only some surgeries will necessitate urinary catheterization. For pelvic and abdominal surgeries, the bladder must be empty, as a full bladder is easily injured during surgery.

Question 20

Personal care before surgery usually involves the following:

Answer 20

• Giving a complete bed bath, shower, or tub bath. • Removing makeup and nail polish. • Caring for hair. • Giving oral hygiene to promote comfort. • Removing dentures. • Removing all jewellery.

Question 21

Removing makeup and nail polish is done to reduce microbes present.
T or F

Answer 21

False

It is done so that the skin, lips, and nail beds can be observed for colour and circulation during and after surgery.

Question 22

Before surgery, all hairpins, clips, combs, and similar items as well as wigs and hairpieces are removed.
T or F

Answer 22

True

Question 23

Clients must remove their dentures before being transferred to surgery.
T or F

Answer 23

False
Before preoperative medications are given, dentures are removed, cleaned, and kept in a denture cup in a safe place. Some clients do not like being seen without their dentures, in which case allow them to wear their dentures as long as possible.

Question 24

Skin preparation is done to sterilize the skin before surgery.
T or F

Answer 24

False

The skin cannot be sterilized, but skin prep can help reduce the number of microbes.

Question 25

PACU stands for

Answer 25

post-anesthesia care unit

Question 26

The two major respiratory complications after surgery are

Answer 26

pneumonia
and
atelectasis , the collapse of a portion of the lung.

Question 27

To help prevent respiratory complications after surgery, PSWs may be tasked to assist with

Answer 27

Coughing and deep-breathing exercises and incentive spirometry, done every 1 to 2 hours when the client is awake.

Question 28

Leg exercises help increase venous blood flow and thus prevent the formation of a thrombus.
T or F

Answer 28

True

Question 29

Place a pillow under the client’s calf for comfort.

T or F

Answer 29

False

Do not place pillows under the client’s calf as it may cause pooling of blood and create a risk for clot formation.

Question 30

What measures might be ordered to reduce the risk of a thrombus?

Answer 30

leg exercises, elastic stockings or bandages, early ambulation

Question 31

NG tube stands for

Answer 31

nasogastric tube

Question 32

It is important that the patient voids within the first ___ hours after a surgery.

Answer 32

8

Question 33

The client ambulates for the first time the day after the surgery.
T or F

Answer 33

False

The client is usually encouraged to ambulate even on the day of surgery.

Question 34

Mr. Long’s preoperative medication has been given to him. He: 
A. Must remain in bed 
B. Is allowed to walk within his room 
C. Can use the commode to void 
D. Is allowed only sips of water

Answer 34

A. Must remain in bed

Question 35

Mr. Long must do coughing and deep breathing exercises after surgery to prevent: 
A. Bleeding
B. A pulmonary embolus 
C. Respiratory complications 
D. Pain and discomfort

Answer 35

C. Respiratory complications

Question 36

Postoperatively, Mr. Long’s position is changed: 
A. Every 2 hours 
B. Every 3 hours 
C. Every 4 hours 
D. Every shift

Answer 36

A. Every 2 hours

Question 37

The client may be allowed to continue to wear a wedding band or religious medal during surgery.
T or F

Answer 37

True

The item is secured in place with gauze or tape, according to hospital policy.

Question 38

If two puffs are ordered from a MDI, wait at least 1 minute between puffs of the first medication.
T or F

Answer 38

True

Question 39

If switching to another medication, wait 2 minutes before switching to the other medication.
T or F

Answer 39

False

wait at least 5 minutes to allow the first medication to take effect.

Question 40

After taking a dose from an MDI, have the client rinse the mouth with water and spit out. Instruct the client not to swallow the water.
T or F

Answer 40

True

Question 41

Outpatient surgery may require prep at home before surgery.

T or F

Answer 41

True