The nurse is caring for a client who is two days post-aortic-iliac bypass surgery. Which assessment finding should be reported to the surgeon immediately?

Choice A Reason
Running the bag under warm water to melt the globules is not recommended. Applying heat could compromise the sterility and integrity of the solution. TPN solutions are carefully balanced and sterile, and any manipulation involving temperature changes could lead to contamination or nutrient degradation.

Choice B Reason
Observing fat globules at the top of the TPN solution is a sign that the emulsion may be compromised. The nurse should not administer this TPN solution and should call the pharmacy for a replacement. TPN solutions should be homogenous with no visible separation or fat globules to ensure the patient receives the correct nutrition and to prevent complications.

Choice C Reason
Doing nothing is not an appropriate action. Fat globules indicate that the solution has separated, which can lead to an unstable emulsion and potential harm if infused. The nurse's responsibility is to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment, which includes verifying that TPN solutions are properly mixed.

Choice D Reason
Rolling the bag gently to redistribute the fat is not a safe practice. While gentle agitation can be used for some medications, it is not appropriate for TPN solutions with visible fat globules. This could further destabilize the emulsion and does not address the underlying issue of separation.

Choice A Reason:

A blood pressure of 98/60, while on the lower side, is not necessarily alarming post-surgery unless the patient shows symptoms of hypotension or if there is a significant drop from the patient's baseline blood pressure. It is important to monitor trends in blood pressure readings rather than a single isolated measurement.

Choice B Reason:

A urine output of 40 mL/hour can be considered within normal limits post-surgery, as the expected urine output is at least 0.5 mL/kg/hr. However, it should be monitored closely to ensure that it does not decrease further, which could indicate renal complications.

Choice C Reason:

Pain rated as 5 on a 0-10 scale indicates moderate pain, which is expected post-surgery. Pain management should be continued as prescribed, and the patient should be reassessed regularly to ensure that the pain does not escalate.

Choice D Reason:

The absence of a popliteal pulse is a critical finding that must be reported immediately. The popliteal artery provides blood flow to the lower leg, and its absence could indicate graft occlusion or other serious circulatory issues, which could lead to limb-threatening complications if not addressed promptly.