Deck 11: General and Local Anesthetics

Question 1

While monitoring a patient who had surgery under general anesthesia 2 hours ago, the nurse notes a sudden elevation in body temperature. This finding may be an indication of which problem?

A) Tachyphylaxis
B) Postoperative infection
C) Malignant hypertension
D) Malignant hyperthermia

Answer 1

Malignant hyperthermia

Question 2

The nurse is preparing to administer dexmedetomidine (Precedex) to a patient. Which is an appropriate indication for dexmedetomidine?

A) Procedural sedation
B) Surgeries of short duration
C) Surgeries of long duration
D) Postoperative anxiety
E) Sedation of mechanically ventilated patients

Answer 2

Procedural sedation
Surgeries of short duration
Sedation of mechanically ventilated patients

Question 3

The nurse is reviewing the effects of inhaled and intravenous general anesthesia, which includes which of these?

A) Increased intracranial pressure
B) Increased glomerular filtration
C) CNS depression
D) Hypotension
E) Decreased hepatic clearance

Answer 3

Increased intracranial pressure
CNS depression
Hypotension
Decreased hepatic clearance

Question 4

During the immediate postoperative period, the Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse is assessing a patient who had hip surgery. The patient is experiencing tachycardia, tachypnea, and muscle rigidity, and his temperature is 103° F (39.4° C). The nurse will prepare for what immediate treatment?

A) Naltrexone hydrochloride (Narcan) injection, an opioid reversal drug
B) Dantrolene (Dantrium) injection, a skeletal muscle relaxant
C) An anticholinesterase drug, such as neostigmine
D) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation

Question 5

A patient is being prepared for an oral endoscopy, and the nurse anesthetist reminds him that he will be awake during the procedure but probably will not remember it. What type of anesthetic technique is used in this situation?

A) Local anesthesia
B) Moderate sedation
C) Topical anesthesia
D) Spinal anesthesia

Question 6

The nurse is caring for a patient who is on a ventilator for respiratory arrest. Which parenteral anesthetic is also used for sedation during mechanical ventilation in ICU settings?

A) Ketamine
B) Midazolam (Versed)
C) Propofol (Diprivan)
D) Sevoflurane (Ultane)

Question 7

When assessing patients in the preoperative area, the nurse knows that which patient is at a higher risk for an altered response to anesthesia?

A) The 21-year-old patient who has never had surgery before
B) The 35-year-old patient who stopped smoking 8 years ago
C) The 40-year-old patient who is to have a kidney stone removed
D) The 82-year-old patient who is to have gallbladder removal

Question 8

When administering a neuromuscular blocking drug, the nurse needs to remember which principle?

A) It is used instead of general anesthesia during surgery.
B) Only skeletal muscles are paralyzed; respiratory muscles remain functional.
C) It causes sedation and pain relief while allowing for lower doses of anesthetics.
D) Artificial mechanical ventilation is required because of paralyzed respiratory muscles.

Question 9

During a fishing trip, a patient pierced his finger with a large fishhook. He is now in the emergency department to have it removed. The nurse anticipates that which type of anesthesia will be used for this procedure?

A) No anesthesia
B) Topical benzocaine spray on the area
C) Topical prilocaine/lidocaine (EMLA) cream around the site
D) Infiltration of the puncture wound with lidocaine

Question 10

A patient is to receive midazolam (Versed) 2 mg IV push over 2 minutes just before an endoscopy procedure. The medication is available in a strength of 1 mg/mL. Identify how many milliliters of medication will the nurse draw up into the syringe for this dose. _______