Question

Which of the following is a common postoperative cause of airway obstruction? A. Difficult intubation B. Facial edema C. PO2 greater than 60 mmHg D. Tongue blocking the airway

Short answer

D. Tongue blocking the airway.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Question

The question asks to identify a common cause of airway obstruction that can occur after surgery (postoperative).

Reviewing the Options

Analyze each option to determine if it is a potential cause for postoperative airway obstruction. Option A pertains to a preoperative issue, not postoperative. Option C, with a PO2 greater than 60 mmHg, indicates adequate oxygenation and is not related to obstruction. Option D, tongue blocking the airway, is a recognized cause for airway obstruction postoperatively. Option B could also be a cause if it interferes with breathing.

Selecting the Correct Answer

Among the options given, facial edema and tongue blocking the airway are recognized causes of airway obstruction after surgery. We must choose the one that is more commonly reported. Usually, the tongue blocking the airway is a more common concern immediately postoperatively.

Key concepts

NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam involves understanding the potential complications that can arise from various medical procedures. One scenario that nursing candidates should be familiar with is identifying common postoperative complications, such as airway obstructions.

When tackling questions related to postoperative issues, it’s essential to apply clinical knowledge that includes recognizing signs and risk factors associated with these complications. During the test, candidates will come across questions framed to assess their ability to prioritize nursing interventions and provide safe patient care. In the provided exercise, the ability to differentiate between preoperative and postoperative conditions is key, as is the knowledge that a PO2 greater than 60 mmHg indicates sufficient oxygenation, hence not suggestive of an obstruction.

Effective exam preparation should include understanding various physiological conditions post-surgery, practicing scenario-based questions, and becoming adept at quickly sifting through distractors to identify the most common or likely causes of a complication.

Postoperative Complications

Postoperative complications are diverse, with airway obstruction being one of the more critical conditions to manage promptly. Recognizing the common causes of such obstructions is crucial for the timely initiation of appropriate interventions.

Possible Causes of Airway Obstruction

Clinical knowledge informs us that although facial edema might be a credible concern, the act of the tongue falling back and blocking the airway is more commonly observed as an immediate postoperative issue. It is often due to the effects of anesthesia or relaxation of muscle tone.

Furthermore, understanding that difficult intubation is generally a preoperative concern, and correlating elevated PO2 levels with adequate airway function, is vital. Students should be equipped to quickly identify airway obstruction signs such as stridor, snoring, or cyanosis, and understand the importance of regularly monitoring respiratory function post-surgery to prevent such complications.

Airway Management

Airway management is a critical skill in the prevention and treatment of postoperative airway obstructions. Effective management strategies are centered around maintaining an open and clear airway to ensure proper ventilation and oxygenation.

Strategies for Airway Management

Common interventions include positioning the patient to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway, possibly by tilting the head or lifting the chin. Use of airway adjuncts like oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airways can also be critical measures to maintain patency. In cases where facial edema is present, awareness and preparation to manage potential breathing difficulties is necessary.

The goal is to implement a proactive approach, employing maneuvers or devices promptly upon recognizing the signs of airway compromise. Ensuring students understand these strategies complements their knowledge base and prepares them for handling real-life situations optimally.