A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for surgery this morning. Which of the following results will cause the nurse to place a call to the surgical team?

Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mm)

Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL (106.1 umol/L)

Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)

Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is below the normal range (typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Abnormal potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), especially if the potassium level drops further or if there is rapid fluctuation. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the surgical team to assess the client's cardiac status and determine if potassium replacement is needed before proceeding with surgery.
B.   Creatinine levels are used to assess kidney function. A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 0.6-1.2 mg/dL). While kidney function is important to evaluate before surgery, this result is not immediately concerning enough to require an urgent call to the surgical team.
C.   Hemoglobin levels are assessed to evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A hemoglobin level of 14.8 g/dL is within the normal range (typically 12-16 g/dL for women and 13-18 g/dL for men). This result indicates adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and does not require immediate communication with the surgical team.

D.   Sodium levels are important for fluid balance and nerve function. A sodium level of 134 mEq/L is within the normal range (typically 135-145 mEq/L). While sodium levels should be monitored, this result is not critically abnormal and does not necessitate an urgent call to the surgical team.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

A. A urine output of 20 ml/hr is considered inadequate and may indicate decreased kidney perfusion or function. This client likely needs immediate assessment and intervention to address potential renal complications.
B. A patient with appendix surgery exhibiting a thready pulse and a blood pressure of 90/60 should be followed up immediately, as these signs can indicate shock, which is a medical emergency.
C. An approximated incision indicates that the wound edges are well-aligned and healing is progressing as expected. This does not typically warrant immediate follow-up unless there are signs of infection or other complications.
D. A strong pedal pulse suggests adequate blood flow distal to the surgical site. This is a positive finding and does not typically require immediate follow-up unless there are signs of vascular compromise or other complications.
E. A patient with bladder surgery having bloody urine within the first 12 hours can be expected, but if the bleeding is heavy or increases, it would warrant immediate follow-up.

A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Metabolic acidosis C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Respiratory acidosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (alkaline) and a low PaCO2 (<35 mm Hg). The ABG results provided show a pH of 7.3 (which is acidic) and a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg (which is elevated). Therefore, these results do not indicate respiratory alkalosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a decreased bicarbonate (HCO3-). The ABG results show a pH of 7.3 (acidic), which aligns with metabolic acidosis. However, the PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg is elevated, which typically indicates respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis.
C. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-). The ABG results show a pH of 7.3 (acidic), which does not suggest metabolic alkalosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and an elevated PaCO2 (>45 mm Hg). The ABG results provided show a pH of 7.3 (acidic) and a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg (elevated). These findings are consistent with respiratory acidosis, where the elevated PaCO2 indicates retention of carbon dioxide, leading to acidosis.

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A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for surgery this morning. Which of the following results will cause the nurse to place a call to the surgical team?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following post-surgical clients warrant an immediate follow up by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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