Test Bank For Plastic Surgery: Volume 2,
5th Edition
Author :
Peter C. Neligan
,Chapter 1: Managing the Aesthetic Surgery Patient
1. Which of the following is the most important aspect of preoperative assessment for an
aesthetic surgery patient?
A) Ensuring the patient has realistic expectations
B) Confirming the patient's medical history
C) Ensuring the patient has a support system at home
D) Assessing the patient’s ability to pay for the surgery
Answer: A) Ensuring the patient has realistic expectations
Rationale: One of the most important aspects of preoperative assessment is ensuring that the
patient has realistic expectations of the outcomes. Misaligned expectations can lead to
dissatisfaction, psychological distress, or even the need for additional corrective surgeries.
2. Aesthetic surgery patients must be assessed for psychological suitability. What is the
primary concern in evaluating a patient’s psychological status?
A) The patient’s ability to tolerate anesthesia
B) Whether the patient has body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
C) The patient's history of cosmetic surgery procedures
D) The presence of medical comorbidities
Answer: B) Whether the patient has body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Rationale: Patients with body dysmorphic disorder may have unrealistic and obsessive thoughts
about their appearance. This psychological condition can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes, as they
may continue to seek surgeries despite unrealistic expectations.
3. During the preoperative consultation for aesthetic surgery, the nurse should primarily
focus on:
A) The surgical technique to be used
B) The patient’s family history
C) Informed consent and patient education
D) The specific anesthetic plan
Answer: C) Informed consent and patient education
Rationale: Informed consent and patient education are critical during the preoperative phase.
The patient must understand the risks, benefits, and potential complications of surgery. Clear
communication ensures that the patient is fully informed before proceeding.
4. After aesthetic surgery, a patient complains of excessive pain and swelling at the incision
site. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Administer pain medication as prescribed
B) Notify the surgeon immediately
C) Apply cold compresses to the incision area
D) Elevate the patient’s head
,Answer: A) Administer pain medication as prescribed
Rationale: While all of the actions may be relevant, the nurse's priority is to manage the patient's
pain. Pain control is essential for patient comfort and recovery. Once the pain is under control,
other interventions like notifying the surgeon or applying cold compresses can be considered.
5. When educating a patient about post-surgery care for an aesthetic procedure, the nurse
should emphasize which of the following?
A) The importance of maintaining physical activity to promote circulation
B) Avoidance of sun exposure to prevent scarring
C) The need for a high-protein diet for muscle repair
D) Use of moisturizers to promote skin elasticity
Answer: B) Avoidance of sun exposure to prevent scarring
Rationale: Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, hypertrophic scarring, and delayed
wound healing. Therefore, educating the patient to avoid sun exposure, especially in the first few
months post-surgery, is crucial for optimal healing.
6. A 25-year-old female patient is considering rhinoplasty. The nurse’s role in the
consultation is to:
A) Explain the surgical procedure in detail
B) Offer advice on the ideal size and shape of the nose
C) Assess the patient’s understanding of the risks and benefits
D) Decide if the patient is a good candidate for surgery
Answer: C) Assess the patient’s understanding of the risks and benefits
Rationale: The nurse should ensure the patient understands both the risks and benefits of the
procedure. While the surgeon will explain the specifics of the surgery, the nurse plays a key role
in education, ensuring informed consent, and clarifying any concerns.
7. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention to promote postoperative
recovery for an aesthetic surgery patient?
A) Keeping the patient on bed rest for the first 48 hours
B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent respiratory complications
C) Administering high doses of sedatives to ensure patient comfort
D) Using pressure garments to prevent swelling
Answer: B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent respiratory
complications
Rationale: Postoperative patients are at risk for respiratory complications. Encouraging deep
breathing and coughing helps clear the lungs, improving oxygenation and preventing atelectasis
or pneumonia.
8. The nurse is preparing a patient for aesthetic surgery. Which preoperative instruction is
most important for the patient to understand?
A) Do not take aspirin or blood thinners for at least two weeks prior to surgery
B) Take a bath the morning of the surgery to ensure cleanliness
, C) Avoid drinking fluids after midnight on the day before surgery
D) Avoid exercise for two weeks after surgery
Answer: A) Do not take aspirin or blood thinners for at least two weeks prior to surgery
Rationale: Aspirin and blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It’s
critical for patients to stop taking these medications well in advance of the procedure.
9. During the recovery period after a facelift, the nurse should instruct the patient to:
A) Keep the head elevated to reduce swelling
B) Apply heat to the incision site to promote healing
C) Avoid any form of exercise for 24 hours
D) Use a topical antibiotic ointment at the incision sites
Answer: A) Keep the head elevated to reduce swelling
Rationale: Elevating the head reduces the risk of swelling and promotes healing after facial
surgery. This position helps to prevent excessive fluid accumulation at the surgical site.
10. A patient undergoing breast augmentation expresses concern about scarring. Which
response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) “Scarring is a normal part of the healing process and will fade over time.”
B) “You can avoid scarring by using a special cream right after surgery.”
C) “If you follow proper care instructions, there will be no visible scars.”
D) “Scarring will be permanent, but we will do our best to minimize it.”
Answer: A) “Scarring is a normal part of the healing process and will fade over time.”
Rationale: Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery, but it typically improves in appearance
over time. The nurse should help the patient understand that scars may be permanent but will
likely soften and fade with appropriate care.
11. A 40-year-old patient is undergoing liposuction. Which of the following is a priority
concern in the postoperative period?
A) The risk of pulmonary embolism
B) The risk of infection at the incision sites
C) The risk of excessive bleeding
D) The need for fluid and electrolyte balance
Answer: C) The risk of excessive bleeding
Rationale: Excessive bleeding is a primary concern following liposuction. The surgical
technique involves removing fat through small incisions, which can lead to bleeding and
hematomas. The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of excessive blood loss and notify the
surgeon if necessary.
12. After undergoing an abdominoplasty, a patient develops a seroma. The nurse should:
A) Apply heat to the area to encourage fluid absorption
B) Perform gentle massage to promote fluid movement
5th Edition
Author :
Peter C. Neligan
,Chapter 1: Managing the Aesthetic Surgery Patient
1. Which of the following is the most important aspect of preoperative assessment for an
aesthetic surgery patient?
A) Ensuring the patient has realistic expectations
B) Confirming the patient's medical history
C) Ensuring the patient has a support system at home
D) Assessing the patient’s ability to pay for the surgery
Answer: A) Ensuring the patient has realistic expectations
Rationale: One of the most important aspects of preoperative assessment is ensuring that the
patient has realistic expectations of the outcomes. Misaligned expectations can lead to
dissatisfaction, psychological distress, or even the need for additional corrective surgeries.
2. Aesthetic surgery patients must be assessed for psychological suitability. What is the
primary concern in evaluating a patient’s psychological status?
A) The patient’s ability to tolerate anesthesia
B) Whether the patient has body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
C) The patient's history of cosmetic surgery procedures
D) The presence of medical comorbidities
Answer: B) Whether the patient has body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Rationale: Patients with body dysmorphic disorder may have unrealistic and obsessive thoughts
about their appearance. This psychological condition can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes, as they
may continue to seek surgeries despite unrealistic expectations.
3. During the preoperative consultation for aesthetic surgery, the nurse should primarily
focus on:
A) The surgical technique to be used
B) The patient’s family history
C) Informed consent and patient education
D) The specific anesthetic plan
Answer: C) Informed consent and patient education
Rationale: Informed consent and patient education are critical during the preoperative phase.
The patient must understand the risks, benefits, and potential complications of surgery. Clear
communication ensures that the patient is fully informed before proceeding.
4. After aesthetic surgery, a patient complains of excessive pain and swelling at the incision
site. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Administer pain medication as prescribed
B) Notify the surgeon immediately
C) Apply cold compresses to the incision area
D) Elevate the patient’s head
,Answer: A) Administer pain medication as prescribed
Rationale: While all of the actions may be relevant, the nurse's priority is to manage the patient's
pain. Pain control is essential for patient comfort and recovery. Once the pain is under control,
other interventions like notifying the surgeon or applying cold compresses can be considered.
5. When educating a patient about post-surgery care for an aesthetic procedure, the nurse
should emphasize which of the following?
A) The importance of maintaining physical activity to promote circulation
B) Avoidance of sun exposure to prevent scarring
C) The need for a high-protein diet for muscle repair
D) Use of moisturizers to promote skin elasticity
Answer: B) Avoidance of sun exposure to prevent scarring
Rationale: Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, hypertrophic scarring, and delayed
wound healing. Therefore, educating the patient to avoid sun exposure, especially in the first few
months post-surgery, is crucial for optimal healing.
6. A 25-year-old female patient is considering rhinoplasty. The nurse’s role in the
consultation is to:
A) Explain the surgical procedure in detail
B) Offer advice on the ideal size and shape of the nose
C) Assess the patient’s understanding of the risks and benefits
D) Decide if the patient is a good candidate for surgery
Answer: C) Assess the patient’s understanding of the risks and benefits
Rationale: The nurse should ensure the patient understands both the risks and benefits of the
procedure. While the surgeon will explain the specifics of the surgery, the nurse plays a key role
in education, ensuring informed consent, and clarifying any concerns.
7. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention to promote postoperative
recovery for an aesthetic surgery patient?
A) Keeping the patient on bed rest for the first 48 hours
B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent respiratory complications
C) Administering high doses of sedatives to ensure patient comfort
D) Using pressure garments to prevent swelling
Answer: B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent respiratory
complications
Rationale: Postoperative patients are at risk for respiratory complications. Encouraging deep
breathing and coughing helps clear the lungs, improving oxygenation and preventing atelectasis
or pneumonia.
8. The nurse is preparing a patient for aesthetic surgery. Which preoperative instruction is
most important for the patient to understand?
A) Do not take aspirin or blood thinners for at least two weeks prior to surgery
B) Take a bath the morning of the surgery to ensure cleanliness
, C) Avoid drinking fluids after midnight on the day before surgery
D) Avoid exercise for two weeks after surgery
Answer: A) Do not take aspirin or blood thinners for at least two weeks prior to surgery
Rationale: Aspirin and blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. It’s
critical for patients to stop taking these medications well in advance of the procedure.
9. During the recovery period after a facelift, the nurse should instruct the patient to:
A) Keep the head elevated to reduce swelling
B) Apply heat to the incision site to promote healing
C) Avoid any form of exercise for 24 hours
D) Use a topical antibiotic ointment at the incision sites
Answer: A) Keep the head elevated to reduce swelling
Rationale: Elevating the head reduces the risk of swelling and promotes healing after facial
surgery. This position helps to prevent excessive fluid accumulation at the surgical site.
10. A patient undergoing breast augmentation expresses concern about scarring. Which
response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) “Scarring is a normal part of the healing process and will fade over time.”
B) “You can avoid scarring by using a special cream right after surgery.”
C) “If you follow proper care instructions, there will be no visible scars.”
D) “Scarring will be permanent, but we will do our best to minimize it.”
Answer: A) “Scarring is a normal part of the healing process and will fade over time.”
Rationale: Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery, but it typically improves in appearance
over time. The nurse should help the patient understand that scars may be permanent but will
likely soften and fade with appropriate care.
11. A 40-year-old patient is undergoing liposuction. Which of the following is a priority
concern in the postoperative period?
A) The risk of pulmonary embolism
B) The risk of infection at the incision sites
C) The risk of excessive bleeding
D) The need for fluid and electrolyte balance
Answer: C) The risk of excessive bleeding
Rationale: Excessive bleeding is a primary concern following liposuction. The surgical
technique involves removing fat through small incisions, which can lead to bleeding and
hematomas. The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of excessive blood loss and notify the
surgeon if necessary.
12. After undergoing an abdominoplasty, a patient develops a seroma. The nurse should:
A) Apply heat to the area to encourage fluid absorption
B) Perform gentle massage to promote fluid movement
