A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 hr postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Rationale:
A. Limit visitors to 30 min per day: Limiting the duration of visitors helps minimize radiation exposure to others. Only short, necessary visits are allowed, and visitors are advised to maintain a safe distance to reduce the cumulative radiation dose received during contact with the client.

B. Place the client in a semi-private room: Clients with sealed internal radiation implants should always be placed in a private room to protect others from unnecessary radiation exposure. A semi-private room would increase the risk of exposing other patients to radiation.

C. Instruct visitors who are pregnant to remain 3 feet from the client: Pregnant visitors should be instructed not to enter the client’s room at all because of the high sensitivity of the fetus to radiation exposure.

D. Wear a lead apron when providing care: The nurse must wear a lead apron while providing direct care to shield against radiation exposure. The nurse should also stand at the client’s side rather than directly in front of or behind the radiation source to minimize exposure intensity.

E. Close the door to the client’s room: Keeping the client’s door closed helps contain the radiation within the room, preventing unnecessary exposure to staff and other clients in nearby areas. It is part of the standard protective measures for clients undergoing internal radiation therapy.

Rationale:
A. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L): Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity because low potassium levels enhance digoxin’s effects on the myocardium, potentially leading to arrhythmias and other toxic effects. Monitoring electrolytes is crucial for clients taking digoxin, especially when on diuretics like furosemide.

B. WBC count 12,000/mm³ (5,000 to 10,000/mm³): An elevated WBC may indicate infection or inflammation but does not directly influence digoxin toxicity. This finding requires assessment but is not a risk factor for digoxin-related complications.

C. Fasting glucose 150 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL): Elevated glucose reflects hyperglycemia but does not affect digoxin levels or toxicity risk. It should be managed separately according to the client’s metabolic needs.

D. Triglycerides 140 mg/dL (35 to 135 mg/dL): Mildly elevated triglycerides are a cardiovascular risk factor but do not directly increase the likelihood of digoxin toxicity. Lipid management is a separate consideration.