A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who is luted for surgery. Which of the following findings places the client at risk for a complication of incisional hematoma forming?

The client is underweight.

The client takes anticoagulant medications.

The client has urinary incontinence

The client has peripheral vascular disease

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) The client is underweight:
Being underweight is not directly associated with an increased risk of incisional hematoma formation. However, underweight individuals may have a lower amount of subcutaneous fat, which could affect wound healing. While nutritional status plays a role in recovery after surgery, being underweight does not specifically increase the risk of hematoma formation at
the incision site.

B) The client takes anticoagulant medications:
Taking anticoagulant medications (e.g., warfarin, heparin, or newer anticoagulants like dabigatran) increases the risk of bleeding and the formation of an incisional hematoma. Anticoagulants work by reducing the blood's ability to clot, making it more difficult to stop bleeding after surgery. This increases the likelihood of blood accumulating in the tissue around the incision site, potentially forming a hematoma.

C) The client has urinary incontinence:
Urinary incontinence does not directly increase the risk of incisional hematoma formation. However, it can lead to other complications, such as skin irritation or infection, but it is not a primary risk factor for hematoma formation in the surgical wound. The main concern with urinary incontinence in the perioperative period is ensuring proper skin care to prevent moisture-associated skin damage.

D) The client has peripheral vascular disease:
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects circulation in the extremities, which can impair wound healing due to decreased blood flow. While PVD can contribute to delayed healing and complications like infection, it is not the most significant factor for the formation of incisional hematomas.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Potassium level 3 mEq/L:
A potassium level of 3 mEq/L is below the normal range (which is typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and represents hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for normal muscle and nerve function, including cardiac function. Low potassium levels can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest if not addressed promptly. This is the priority value because hypokalemia can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider to correct the imbalance.

B) BUN 9.5 mg/dl:
A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 9.5 mg/dL is within the normal reference range for most adults (typically 7-20 mg/dL). While an abnormal BUN level could indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, this value is not immediately concerning and does not represent a critical finding that requires urgent attention.

C) Creatinine 0.4 mg/dl:
A creatinine level of 0.4 mg/dL is below the normal range (usually around 0.6-1.2 mg/dL), which might indicate low muscle mass or a transient decrease in kidney function. However, a low creatinine level is generally not as urgent or concerning as an elevated level, and it does not typically require immediate intervention

D) Sodium 135 mEq/L:
A sodium level of 135 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range (135-145 mEq/L), indicating mild hyponatremia. Although this can be concerning if the drop is acute or symptomatic (e.g., causing confusion, seizures, or lethargy), a mild decrease in sodium is not immediately life-threatening unless it worsens rapidly.

A. Keep the head of the client’s bed elevated to 45 B. Provide the client with a high-calorie diet. C. Massage the client’s bony prominences. D. Reposition the client every 4 hr.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Keep the head of the client’s bed elevated to 45 degrees:
Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees can actually increase the risk of pressure injuries, particularly in clients who are already at risk. This position can cause shearing forces and increase pressure on areas such as the sacrum, heels, and hips, making it more likely for pressure ulcers to develop.

B) Provide the client with a high-calorie diet:
A high-calorie diet is important for clients at risk of pressure injuries because adequate nutrition supports skin integrity and wound healing. Clients at risk for pressure injuries often have compromised nutritional status, and providing sufficient calories, protein, and other nutrients helps improve tissue regeneration and resilience. A high-calorie, high-protein diet helps prevent further breakdown of the skin and supports the healing process for any existing wounds.

C) Massage the client’s bony prominences:
Massaging bony prominences, such as the heels, elbows, and sacrum, is not recommended because it can cause tissue damage and increase the risk of pressure injury. Instead, the focus should be on minimizing pressure on these areas and using appropriate methods to redistribute pressure, such as repositioning the client or using pressure-relieving devices.

D) Reposition the client every 4 hours:
Repositioning the client every 4 hours may not be frequent enough for those at high risk for pressure injuries. For individuals who are immobile or at high risk, repositioning should typically occur at least every 2 hours to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas of the body.

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A nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client who is luted for surgery. Which of the following findings places the client at risk for a complication of incisional hematoma forming?

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