A patient with cholelithiasis has a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct and is unable to eat or drink without becoming nauseated and vomiting.

Which finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

The correct answer is choice D. Reported history of alcoholism.

Choice A rationale:

Employment as a construction worker is not directly relevant to the administration of terbinafine HCL. While it may affect the client’s overall health and risk of injury, it does not impact the medication’s safety or efficacy.

Choice B rationale:

A white blood cell count of 8,500/mm³ (8.5 x 10³/L) is within the normal range and does not indicate any immediate concern that would affect the administration of terbinafine HCL.

Choice C rationale:

Thick and yellow toenails are typical symptoms of a fungal toenail infection and are the reason for prescribing terbinafine HCL. This finding confirms the diagnosis but does not present a contraindication to the medication.

Choice D rationale:

A reported history of alcoholism is crucial to address because terbinafine HCL can cause liver toxicity. Clients with a history of alcoholism are at higher risk for liver damage, and this must be carefully evaluated before starting the medication.

B. Place patient on oxygen 2 to 4 liters and maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%.

Rationale:

Hypoxemia: Patients who have undergone cholecystectomy are at risk for developing hypoxemia due to various factors, including:

Atelectasis: Collapsed lung tissue can impair gas exchange, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Pneumonia: A potential post-operative complication that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, hindering oxygen uptake.

Pain: Post-surgical pain can inhibit deep breathing and coughing, which are essential for maintaining adequate lung function.

Oxygen Therapy: Supplementing oxygen helps to increase oxygen saturation and improve overall tissue oxygenation, reducing the strain on the heart and other organs.

Oxygen Saturation Goal: Maintaining oxygen saturation at or above 95% ensures that the patient's tissues are receiving sufficient oxygen to meet their metabolic needs.

C. Stat 2 views chest x-ray.

Rationale:

Chest X-ray: A valuable diagnostic tool that can visualize the lungs and surrounding structures, aiding in the assessment of: Atelectasis: Appears as areas of increased density on the x-ray, indicating collapsed lung tissue.

Pneumonia: May present as consolidation (solid white areas) or infiltrates (patchy areas of increased density) on the x-ray. Pleural effusion: Fluid accumulation in the pleural space, which can impair lung expansion and gas exchange.

Pneumothorax: Presence of air in the pleural space, which can cause lung collapse and respiratory distress.

Early Detection: Prompt identification of respiratory complications through chest x-ray allows for timely interventions and prevents further deterioration of the patient's condition.

E. Complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), and blood cultures.

Rationale:

CBC: Assesses for signs of infection or inflammation, including:

Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis) Increased neutrophils (neutrophilia)

Anemia (low red blood cell count)

BMP: Evaluates electrolyte and kidney function, which can be affected by infections and post-operative complications.

Blood Cultures: Determines the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, allowing for identification of the causative organism and guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy.

F. Start the patient on antibiotic therapy.

Rationale:

Infection Risk: The patient's history of cholangitis and recent surgery increase the risk of infection. Prophylactic Antibiotics: Often administered after cholecystectomy to prevent post-operative infections.

Early Intervention: Prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial in managing infections and preventing serious complications such as sepsis.