A patient with left-sided weakness that started 60 minutes earlier is admitted to the emergency department and diagnostic tests are ordered. Which test should be done first?

A. Slow, shallow respirations and low heart rate:
Slow, shallow respirations and a low heart rate are not typical signs of postoperative hemorrhage. These signs might suggest respiratory or cardiac issues, but they are not specific to hemorrhage. In fact, hemorrhage is more likely to result in tachycardia (increased heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than bradycardia (low heart rate). Therefore, this finding is not indicative of post-operative hemorrhage.

B. Fever and flushed skin:
Fever and flushed skin are more commonly associated with infection rather than hemorrhage. After surgery, fever can be a sign of infection, particularly if it occurs 24-48 hours postoperatively. While infection can sometimes cause a rise in heart rate, it does not directly correlate with the symptoms of hemorrhage. Therefore, fever and flushed skin are not the most indicative of hemorrhage in the immediate postoperative phase.

C. Disorientation and confusion in an elderly patient:
Disorientation and confusion in the elderly post-operative patient can be concerning and may be caused by a variety of factors, such as medication side effects, electrolyte imbalances, or postoperative delirium. While confusion can occur with significant blood loss, it is not a primary indicator of hemorrhage. The signs of hemorrhage are more likely to include changes in vital signs, especially heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, while disorientation and confusion should be monitored, they are not the most definitive sign of hemorrhage.

D. Increasing heart rate and decreasing blood pressure:
Increasing heart rate (tachycardia) and decreasing blood pressure (hypotension) are classic signs of hemorrhage. When blood loss occurs, the body compensates by increasing the heart rate to maintain cardiac output and attempting to constrict blood vessels. As hemorrhage progresses, blood volume decreases, which leads to a drop in blood pressure. This combination of tachycardia and hypotension is a key indicator of significant blood loss and requires immediate assessment and intervention. Therefore, this is the most indicative finding of postoperative hemorrhage.

A. Pernicious anemia:
Pernicious anemia is primarily caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12, often due to a lack of intrinsic factor needed for absorption in the gut. It typically presents with symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and neurological manifestations such as numbness or tingling. However, the client’s presentation does not suggest a vitamin B12 deficiency or neurological signs. Additionally, pernicious anemia is not typically associated with heavy menstrual periods,
which are more indicative of blood loss anemia.

B. Blood loss anemia:
Blood loss anemia is the most likely diagnosis in this case, especially in the context of heavy menstrual periods, which can cause significant blood loss over time. The client’s hemoglobin level of 6.9 g/dL indicates severe anemia, which is consistent with the cumulative effects of chronic blood loss. This type of anemia results from a decrease in red blood cell count due to bleeding, which can lead to symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and pallor.

C. Sickle cell anemia:
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic condition characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells, which can lead to hemolysis and episodes of pain. While it can cause symptoms like fatigue and weakness, sickle cell anemia typically presents earlier in life and is more associated with episodes of severe pain and organ damage. Additionally, the patient’s history does not mention episodes of pain or other hallmark signs of sickle cell disease, such as swelling in the hands or feet or recurrent infections.

D. Aplastic anemia:
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It presents with symptoms like weakness, fatigue, frequent infections, and bruising. Although this client does have anemia, the lack of additional signs (such as petechiae, infections, or bleeding) makes this diagnosis less likely. Aplastic anemia is also usually diagnosed with bone marrow biopsy, which is not suggested by this client's presentation.