Two hours before a client's scheduled surgery, the nurse is completing the preoperative checklist. Which information requires immediate action by the nurse?

Reference Range:

Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]
.

Surgical consent form is not signed.

Client's pulse oximeter reading is 96%.

Preoperative chest x-ray report is not available.

Preoperative serum potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   The surgical consent form is crucial for ensuring that the client is informed about the procedure and agrees to it. While it's critical for legal and ethical reasons, this issue can often be resolved relatively quickly by having the client sign the form or addressing it with the surgeon.
B.   A pulse oximeter reading of 96% indicates that the client's oxygen saturation is within a generally acceptable range (normal is usually 95% to 100%). This reading suggests that the client's oxygen levels are adequate and typically would not require immediate action.
C.   The absence of a preoperative chest x-ray report can be significant, especially if the client has underlying respiratory or cardiac conditions. However, the immediate need for action depends on the urgency and the reason the x-ray was ordered.
D.   A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is critically low. The normal reference range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can lead to severe complications, including cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, which can significantly impact the client's ability to safely undergo surgery. This condition requires immediate attention to correct the electrolyte imbalance before proceeding with the surgical procedure.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Anxiety is a common symptom in patients with thyrotoxicosis due to increased metabolic activity and overstimulation of the nervous system. While anxiety can be distressing, it is not typically life- threatening and does not usually require immediate intervention.
B. Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) can occur in patients with thyrotoxicosis due to increased metabolic rate and potential effects on insulin sensitivity. It requires monitoring and management but typically does not demand immediate intervention unless it is severe and causing other complications.
C. Fever can be a sign of thyroid storm, a severe form of thyrotoxicosis that can be life-threatening. Elevated body temperature in the context of thyrotoxicosis requires prompt assessment as it may indicate an underlying severe condition or complications.
D. Dyspnea is a critical symptom that warrants immediate intervention. In the context of thyrotoxicosis, it may indicate a severe complication such as heart failure, thyroid storm, or respiratory distress. Given that dyspnea can lead to compromised oxygenation and potentially life-threatening situations, it is the most urgent symptom to address.

A. Report of bowel functioning since surgery. B. Heart rate and body weight. C. Number of any missed doses of medication. D. Daily caloric intake.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While bowel function can be affected by medication, it's not a primary indicator of thyroid hormone replacement effectiveness.
B. These are the most important assessments to determine the effectiveness of thyroid replacement therapy. Thyroid hormones influence metabolic rate, which directly affects heart rate and body weight. Changes in these parameters can indicate under- or over-replacement of thyroid hormones.
C. While medication adherence is important, it doesn't directly assess the medication's effectiveness.
D. Dietary intake is important for overall health but is not directly related to thyroid hormone replacement therapy effectiveness.

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Two hours before a client's scheduled surgery, the nurse is completing the preoperative checklist. Which information requires immediate action by the nurse? Reference Range: Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)] .

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

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Two hours before a client's scheduled surgery, the nurse is completing the preoperative checklist. Which information requires immediate action by the nurse?

Reference Range:

Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]
.