Question

A patient scheduled for elective surgery had a light meal an hour before surgery. The nurse documents and reports this to the anesthesia provider. Which risk might the nurse anticipate during surgery?

A. Aspiration
B. Hemorrhage
C. Infection
D. Hypertension

Answer 1

The nurse should anticipate the risk of aspiration during surgery when a patient has had a light meal an hour before surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should anticipate the risk of aspiration during surgery when a patient has had a light meal an hour before surgery. Aspiration occurs when stomach contents flow back into the lungs, which can lead to lung infection or pneumonia. The risk of aspiration is increased when there is food or liquid in the stomach during surgery.