MED SURG FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
NG tube – Placement and verification
Review the prescription & purpose of the procedure, understand the need
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placement. Identify client, explain the procedure.
Review history of nasal problems, anticoagulants, previous trauma, & past history of
aspiration.
Evaluate the clients ability to cooperate & make a hand signal w/ the client.
Perform hand hygiene, tape or use commercial fixation device to secure the
dressing.
Use clean gloves, water soluble lube, topical anesthetic, cup of water & straw,
catheter & syringe (30-60 mL), basin, pH strip (>4), clamp or plug to close the
tubing after insertion.
Steps: ATI
i. Auscultate bowel sounds, palpate abdomen for distention, pain & rigidity.
ii. Raise head of bed (high fowlers if possible).
iii. Assess nares, look for deviation/obstruction.
iv. Measure tube from tip of the nose to the earlobe, down to the xiphoid
process.
v. Give client water & when they swallow continue to insert tubbing.
1. If client vomits clear the airway & provide comfort before continuing
care.
vi. Check for placement w/ pH strip (<4) & assess color, odor, consistency &
amount.
vii. Verify placement w/ X-RAY.
1. If the tube is not in the stomach, advance it 5 cm (2 in.) & repeat
placement check.
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MED- SURG FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
Wound Evisceration – Nursing actions – what to do if you see
evisceration?
Call for help, ask the surgeon to be notified & that needed supplies be brought to
the room of the client.
Stay with the client.
While waiting for supplies, place the client in low fowlers w/ the knees bent.
Cover the wound with sterile wet normal saline dressing & keep the dressing moist.
Do not attempt to reinsert organs.
Take vital signs & monitor the client closely for signs of shock.
Prepare the client for surgery as necessary.
Document the occurrence, actions taken, and the clients response.
Preoperative teaching, informed consent
Preparing client for surgery:
i. Assist the client to void before transfer to the operating room.
ii. Check all surgeon's prescriptions to ensure they have been carried out.
iii. Review the client's record for a history & physical report & laboratory reports
Informed consent:
i. The surgeon is responsible for explaining the surgical procedure to the
client & answering the clients questions. The nurse is responsible for
obtaining the clients signature on the consent form & needs to make sure the
client understood the surgeon’s explanation.
ii. The nurse needs to document the witnessing of the signing of the consent
form after the client acknowledges the procedure. The nurse must also
document any questions the client has, reinforce teaching, get an interpreter.
iii. Minors younger than 18 need a parent or legal guardian. Some older adult
clients may need a legal guardian to sign consent.
iv. Psychiatric clients have the right to refuse a treatment until the court has
legally determined that they are unable to make a decision for themselves.
v. You only need 2 nurses if you’re getting consent over the phone,
when the patient is unable to give it themselves.
vi. Two witnesses are required if the client is
1. Able to only sign with an “X”
2. Blind, deaf
vii. English is a second language.
Nutrition- NPO status pre-op. Withhold solid foods & liquids as prescribed to avoid
aspiration, 6-8 hr. for general anesthesia, & 3 hr. for local anesthesia (as
prescribed).
i. Verify NPO status: (to avoid aspiration) for at least:
1. 6 hr. for solid foods.
2. 2 hr. (clear liquids) before general anesthesia.
3. 3 to 4 hr. (clear liquids) before local anesthesia
4. Chart the last time the client ate/drank.
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MED- SURG FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
Insert IV line & administer IV fluids as prescribed. The IV catheter should be
large enough to administer blood products if needed. (a large-bore 18-gauge
catheter)
Obtaining a detailed health history:
i. Diagnosed medical conditions (previous & current)
ii. Allergies: Banana or Kiwi – indicative of latex allergy
iii. Eggs/Soybean – Don’t give propofol
iv. Shellfish & Seafood = No Iodine
v. Previous surgeries & problems, medication use, substance abuse.
Reactions/problems to anesthesia (patient/family)
vi. Assess anxiety level & support systems.
vii. Lab results. Venous Thromboembolism risk. Head to toe assessment, Vital
signs, & O2 sat. Pregnancy status, Chronic diseases etc. [Show Less]