The nurse is caring for a client who had an appendectomy 4 hours ago. Which finding requires immediate action by the nurse?

Choice A reason: Potassium 4.7 mEq/L (4.70 mmol/L) is within the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L). Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the balance of fluids and acids in the body, as well as the function of nerves and muscles. A high potassium level (hyperkalemia) can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and arrhythmias.

Choice B reason: Magnesium 2.1 mEq/L (0.86 mmol/L) is within the normal reference range of 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L). Magnesium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the activity of enzymes, muscles, and nerves, as well as the balance of calcium and potassium in the body. A high magnesium level (hypermagnesemia) can cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression. A low magnesium level (hypomagnesemia) can cause muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice C reason: Calcium 6.5 mg/dL (1.63 mmol/L) is below the normal reference range of 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Calcium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the function of muscles, nerves, bones, and blood clotting. A high calcium level (hypercalcemia) can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, kidney stones, and bone pain. A low calcium level (hypocalcemia) can cause muscle spasms, cramps, tingling, numbness, and stridor (a high-pitched sound when breathing). **This is a critical value that should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider**, as it can indicate a serious condition such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, or massive blood transfusion.

Choice D reason: Sodium 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L) is slightly below the normal reference range of 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L). Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the balance of fluids and acids in the body, as well as the function of nerves and muscles. A high sodium level (hypernatremia) can cause thirst, dry mouth, confusion, seizures, and coma. A low sodium level (hyponatremia) can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle weakness, and confusion.

Choice A reason: Using incentive spirometer is not an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, because it is not related to the procedure or the condition. The incentive spirometer is a device that helps improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications by encouraging deep breathing and coughing. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Monitoring urinary stream for decrease in output is an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, because it can indicate urinary retention or obstruction, which are potential complications of the procedure. The client should report any difficulty or inability to urinate, severe pain, or fever to the health care provider. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Reporting when hematuria becomes pink tinged is not an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, because it is not a sign of a problem. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common and expected finding after the procedure, and it usually resolves within a few days. The client should drink plenty of fluids to flush out the blood clots and debris. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Restricting physical activities is an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, but it is not the best answer. The client should avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects, driving, or sexual intercourse, for at least two weeks after the procedure to prevent bleeding and infection. However, this information is less important than monitoring urinary stream for decrease in output. Therefore, this choice is not the best answer.