The nurse is reviewing serum laboratory values for a client who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Which value requires the nurse to promptly notify the surgeon?

Serum glucose of 118 mg/dL

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 16 mg/dL

Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L

Serum potassium of 3.9 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Serum glucose of 118 mg/dL: This value is slightly above the normal range but not critically elevated; it does not typically require immediate notification to the surgeon.
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 16 mg/dL: This BUN level is within the normal range and does not suggest an immediate concern for surgical risk.
C. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L: A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to serious complications including neurological symptoms and should be addressed prior to surgery.
D. Serum potassium of 3.9 mEq/L: This level is within the normal range and does not require immediate action related to surgery.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Level of consciousness: While important, it follows the assessment of vital signs to ensure the client's overall stability.
B. Condition of drains: This is relevant but not as immediate as assessing the stability of vital signs.
C. Appearance of the surgical dressing: This is important but secondary to ensuring the client’s vital signs are stable.
D. Stability of vital signs: This is the most critical next assessment after ensuring a patent airway, as vital signs reflect the client's immediate physiological status and stability.

A. Pulmonary embolism B. Pneumonia C. Hemorrhage D. Myocardial infarction

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Pulmonary embolism: Pulmonary embolism presents with sudden onset of chest pain, tachycardia, hypotension, and restlessness, which aligns with the client's symptoms. It is a common postoperative complication due to immobility and potential hypercoagulability.
B. Pneumonia: Pneumonia typically develops more gradually and presents with fever, productive cough, and respiratory distress rather than sudden chest pain and hemodynamic instability. It is less likely in the immediate postoperative period.
C. Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage would also cause tachycardia and hypotension, but it would typically present with symptoms such as excessive bleeding, swelling at the surgical site, and pallor rather than chest pain.
D. Myocardial infarction: While myocardial infarction can cause chest pain, tachycardia, and hypotension, it is less likely in this scenario compared to a pulmonary embolism, given the timing and nature of the symptoms in the immediate postoperative period.

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The nurse is reviewing serum laboratory values for a client who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Which value requires the nurse to promptly notify the surgeon?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After ensuring a postoperative client has a patent airway, what is the next most important nursing assessment?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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