Health & Healing - POSTOPERATIVE Exam Questions and Answers Already Passed Latest
Update 2025-2026
Which client should the nurse assess as being at highest risk for thrombophlebitis?
a) A client with a 25-year smoking history
b) A female client in fifth month of pregnancy
c) An elderly client taking anticoagulant medications
d) A hospitalized client who has been on bedrest for 3 days - Answers D
A client on the postoperative unit has shallow respirations. On examination, the nurse finds the
client to be hypoxemic. After inquiry, it was discovered that the client was given a large dose of
opioids during the surgery. Which prescription should the nurse expect to be prescribed to
manage hypoxemia in this client?
a) Opioids
b) Benzodiazepines
c) Drugs to reverse the effects of opioids
d) Withhold mechanical ventilation - Answers C
What is the focus of the initial postoperative assessment? - Answers ABC
Bronchial obstruction by retained secretions has contributed to a postoperative client's recent
pulse oximetry reading of 87%. Which health problem is the client most likely experiencing?
a) Atelectasis
b) Bronchospasm
c) Hypoventilation
d) Pulmonary embolism - Answers A
The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dehydration. Which finding should the
nurse report to the health care provider?a) Ambulation in the hallway without assistance
b) Temperature 36.1 C
c) Frequent use of the urinal
d) Urine output of 350 mL in 24 hours - Answers D
A client undergoes abdominal surgery. Before asking the client to perform postoperative
, breathing exercises, which action should the nurse implement?
a) Assess the client's level of pain
b) Evaluate the client's vital signs
c) Assist the client out of bed and into a chair
d) Review the primary health care provider's plan of care - Answers A
A client with a history of venous thrombosis had major abdominal surgery. Which nursing
interventions are helpful in preventing the development of venous thrombosis? Select all that
apply.
a) Use of diuretics
b) Delayed ambulation
c) Use of low-molecular-weight heparin
d) Corticosteroids
e) Sequential compression devices - Answers C,E
What are the two cardiovascular imbalances post surgery? - Answers Fluid and Electrolytes
A postoperative client had a Foley catheter removed at 1200. At 2100, the client has still not
voided. Which intervention is priority for the nurse to implement?
a) Perform a straight catheterization
b) Continue to monitor the client, because this is an expected finding
c) Assess for bladder fullness by percussion, palpation, or portable bladder scanner
d) Notify the health care provider and anticipate obtaining blood work to evaluate renal function
- Answers C
A client who is still drowsy and recovering from anaesthesia has been vomiting. Which action
should the nurse implement to prevent aspiration in this client?
a) Avoid using suctioning devices
b) Position the client in prone position
c) Position the client in supine position
d) Place the client in lateral recovery position - Answers D
Update 2025-2026
Which client should the nurse assess as being at highest risk for thrombophlebitis?
a) A client with a 25-year smoking history
b) A female client in fifth month of pregnancy
c) An elderly client taking anticoagulant medications
d) A hospitalized client who has been on bedrest for 3 days - Answers D
A client on the postoperative unit has shallow respirations. On examination, the nurse finds the
client to be hypoxemic. After inquiry, it was discovered that the client was given a large dose of
opioids during the surgery. Which prescription should the nurse expect to be prescribed to
manage hypoxemia in this client?
a) Opioids
b) Benzodiazepines
c) Drugs to reverse the effects of opioids
d) Withhold mechanical ventilation - Answers C
What is the focus of the initial postoperative assessment? - Answers ABC
Bronchial obstruction by retained secretions has contributed to a postoperative client's recent
pulse oximetry reading of 87%. Which health problem is the client most likely experiencing?
a) Atelectasis
b) Bronchospasm
c) Hypoventilation
d) Pulmonary embolism - Answers A
The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dehydration. Which finding should the
nurse report to the health care provider?a) Ambulation in the hallway without assistance
b) Temperature 36.1 C
c) Frequent use of the urinal
d) Urine output of 350 mL in 24 hours - Answers D
A client undergoes abdominal surgery. Before asking the client to perform postoperative
, breathing exercises, which action should the nurse implement?
a) Assess the client's level of pain
b) Evaluate the client's vital signs
c) Assist the client out of bed and into a chair
d) Review the primary health care provider's plan of care - Answers A
A client with a history of venous thrombosis had major abdominal surgery. Which nursing
interventions are helpful in preventing the development of venous thrombosis? Select all that
apply.
a) Use of diuretics
b) Delayed ambulation
c) Use of low-molecular-weight heparin
d) Corticosteroids
e) Sequential compression devices - Answers C,E
What are the two cardiovascular imbalances post surgery? - Answers Fluid and Electrolytes
A postoperative client had a Foley catheter removed at 1200. At 2100, the client has still not
voided. Which intervention is priority for the nurse to implement?
a) Perform a straight catheterization
b) Continue to monitor the client, because this is an expected finding
c) Assess for bladder fullness by percussion, palpation, or portable bladder scanner
d) Notify the health care provider and anticipate obtaining blood work to evaluate renal function
- Answers C
A client who is still drowsy and recovering from anaesthesia has been vomiting. Which action
should the nurse implement to prevent aspiration in this client?
a) Avoid using suctioning devices
b) Position the client in prone position
c) Position the client in supine position
d) Place the client in lateral recovery position - Answers D
