HEALTH & HEALING –
POSTOPERATIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS |
LATEST VERSION 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 - ANS 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 - ANS C
What is the focus of the initial postoperative assessment? - ANS ABC
1 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
, 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 - ANS 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 - ANS 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 - ANS 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 - ANS C,E
What are the two cardiovascular imbalances post surgery? - ANS Fluid and Electrolytes
2 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
POSTOPERATIVE EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS |
LATEST VERSION 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 - ANS 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 - ANS C
What is the focus of the initial postoperative assessment? - ANS ABC
1 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
, 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 - ANS 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 - ANS 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 - ANS 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 - ANS C,E
What are the two cardiovascular imbalances post surgery? - ANS Fluid and Electrolytes
2 | Page @COPYRIGHT 2025/2026 ALLRIGHTS RESERVED
