Question

The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a surgical repair of a sacular abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which assessment is most crucial during the preoperative period? A. Assessment of the client's level of anxiety B. Evaluation of the client's exercise tolerance C. Identification of peripheral pulses D. Assessment of bowel sounds and activity

Short answer

Answer: C. Identification of peripheral pulses

Step-by-step solution

Option A: Assessment of the client's level of anxiety

While assessing a client's level of anxiety is significant in any preoperative period as anxiety can impact the surgical outcomes, it is not the most crucial assessment in this situation. Anxiety management is vital, but it will not be the most important factor in maintaining the client's immediate wellbeing considering the nature of the surgery.

Option B: Evaluation of the client's exercise tolerance

Assessing the client's exercise tolerance would provide information about the client's overall health and ability to recover following the surgery. However, it is not the primary concern during the preoperative period for someone undergoing surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Option C: Identification of peripheral pulses

Identifying peripheral pulses is the most crucial aspect during the preoperative period for this surgery. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can obstruct blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygenation and perfusion of the tissues. This condition can be exacerbated by the surgery. Evaluating peripheral pulses gives the surgeon and nursing staff vital information about the adequacy of blood flow through the aorta and how it will affect the client during and after the surgery.

Option D: Assessment of bowel sounds and activity

Although assessing bowel sounds and activity is essential for determining the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, it is not the most crucial aspect of the preoperative period for a client undergoing surgery for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. After analyzing all given options, the most crucial assessment during the preoperative period for a client scheduled for surgical repair of a saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm is:

Answer:

C. Identification of peripheral pulses