A nurse is assessing a client who has obstructive sleep apnea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Potassium Levels: The postoperative potassium level for the client is 3.0 mEq/L, which falls below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Potassium is a critical electrolyte necessary for the proper functioning of cardiac muscles. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the electrical conductivity of the heart. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can disrupt this electrical conductivity, leading to abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can manifest as palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or more severe cardiac events, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Importance of Potassium in Cardiac Function: Potassium is essential for the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. It helps in the return of the cell to its resting state after each heartbeat. A deficiency in potassium disrupts this balance, increasing the risk of erratic heartbeats and arrhythmias. Low potassium can prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a marker for potential arrhythmic events.

Clinical Implications: For a postoperative client, maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial. Surgery and anesthesia can affect fluid and electrolyte levels, making it essential to monitor and correct any imbalances. The decrease in potassium levels from 3.5 mEq/L preoperatively to 3.0 mEq/L postoperatively highlights a trend that must be addressed to prevent complications such as arrhythmias.

Preventative Measures: To mitigate the risk of arrhythmias, the healthcare team should consider interventions to correct the hypokalemia. This may include administering potassium supplements orally or intravenously, depending on the severity and clinical context. Continuous cardiac monitoring may also be warranted to detect and manage any emerging arrhythmic events promptly.

A) Allow the client to rest for 10 to 15 seconds after each suctioning attempt: Allowing the client to rest between suctioning attempts helps to minimize hypoxemia and reduces the risk of trauma to the airway mucosa. It also allows the client to recover from the physiological stress of suctioning before initiating another attempt.

C) Apply suction for less than 10 seconds: Prolonged suctioning can lead to hypoxemia and tissue trauma. The nurse should limit suctioning to less than 10 seconds per pass to minimize these risks and prevent complications such as mucosal damage and bleeding.

B) Set the suction pressure to 110 mm Hg: The appropriate suction pressure for endotracheal suctioning depends on various factors, including the client's age, condition, and clinical status. While suction pressures of 80 to 120 mm Hg are commonly used for adults, the specific pressure setting should be individualized based on the client's needs and should not exceed the safe range to prevent mucosal injury or hypoxemia.

D) Apply suction when inserting the catheter: Suction should be applied only during withdrawal of the catheter to minimize the risk of mucosal trauma and hypoxemia. Applying suction during catheter insertion can increase the risk of airway trauma and should be avoided.