QLexNursing
:: ::
Action
::
Action
:: ::
Action
:: ::
Action
:: ::
Action
:: ::
Action
:: ::
Action
:: ::
Open
:: ::
Action

Practice Question

An LPN is preparing a patient for general anesthesia prior to surgery. Which of the following is the most important nursing intervention to reduce the risk of complications related to general anesthesia?

Answer Choices:

Correct Answer:

Ensure the patient has followed NPO (nothing by mouth) instructions for at least 6 to 8 hours before the surgery.

Rationale:

🛑NPO 6–8 hours minimizes gastric volume and reduces the risk of aspiration during general anesthesia when airway reflexes are depressed.

🛑Pulmonary aspiration can lead to chemical pneumonitis, hypoxemia, and serious perioperative complications, making fasting status verification a top safety priority.

🛑The nurse should confirm last oral intake (solids vs clear fluids) and document/communicate any deviations to the anesthesia team.

🛑Evidence-based fasting guidelines often allow clear liquids up to 2 hours pre-anesthesia, but solids require ≥6–8 hours; follow facility policy/Anesthesia orders.

🛑Reinforcing NPO enhances patient safety, reduces regurgitation risk, and aligns with pre-op standards.

Want to practice more questions like this?

This question is from Custom FRIEDMAN-PHARM-CH 12-13-15 (Pain-Inflam-Immune) (1) which contains 52 questions.

Start Full Exam View Exam Details
More Questions from This Exam
A patient with acute gout asks you why allopurinol cannot be used at this time. What is your best response?

Answer Choices:

A. "Allopurinol can cause swelling of the feet, worsening your gout symptoms."
B. "Allopurinol is useful in rheumatoid arthritis, but not gout."
C. "Allopurinol does not lower uric acid levels."
D. "Allopurinol is used only for the prevention of gout attacks."
View Full Question
An LPN is preparing a patient for general anesthesia prior to surgery. Which of the following is the most important nursing intervention to reduce the risk of complications related to general anesthesia?

Answer Choices:

A. Ensure the patient has followed NPO (nothing by mouth) instructions for at least 6 to 8 hours before the surgery.
B. Instruct the patient to avoid all physical activity in the days leading up to surgery.
C. Encourage the patient to drink plenty of fluids after the procedure to prevent dehydration.
D. Administer a mild sedative prior to the anesthesia to reduce anxiety.
View Full Question
A patient with chronic arthritis pain reports taking acetaminophen 4 to 6 g/day for arthritis pain. Which health problem should you teach this patient that can occur as a result of taking this acetaminophen therapy?

Answer Choices:

A. "Chronic acetaminophen use can invoke asthma attacks."
B. "Diabetes is a complication that can result from long-term acetaminophen use."
C. "The use and overuse of acetaminophen can result in excessive bleeding."
D. "Liver toxicity can result as a result of high acetaminophen doses."
View Full Question
An LPN is caring for a patient who is receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy for chronic inflammation. Which of the following is the most important nursing implication to consider when planning care for this patient?

Answer Choices:

A. Encourage the patient to stop the corticosteroid therapy abruptly if they experience side effects like weight gain.
B. Monitor the patient's blood glucose levels, as corticosteroids can increase blood sugar.
C. Instruct the patient to take the corticosteroids with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal irritation.
D. Monitor the patient for signs of hypotension, as corticosteroids can lower blood pressure.
View Full Question
An LPN is preparing a patient for surgery who is currently taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Which of the following is the most important nursing action before the procedure?

Answer Choices:

A. Encourage the patient to take NSAIDs with food to prevent stomach upset before the procedure.
B. Instruct the patient to continue taking NSAIDs until the day of the surgery for pain relief.
C. Advise the patient to stop taking NSAIDs at least 72 hours before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
D. Monitor the patient for signs of hypertension due to long-term NSAID use.
View Full Question
View All 52 Questions
From Exam
Custom FRIEDMAN-PHARM-CH 12-13-15 (Pain-Inflam-Immune) (1)

52 Questions

View Full Exam Start Practicing
Question Details
  • Category: LPN Nursing Exam(s)
  • Subcategory: LPN ATI Exams
  • Domain: Pharmacology
  • Answer Choices: 4
Was this question helpful?
0/5 average rating (0 votes)
Share your thoughts
Comments (0)
Q