A client receives a prescription for ophthalmic ketorolac.
Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should review the medical record for which condition?

The correct answer is choiceb. Identify the client using 2 client identifiers,c. Perform hand hygiene,e. Don gloves,f. Check the skin around the face, andg. Assess respiratory function.

Choice A rationale:

Determining if the client needs to go to the bathroom is not directly related to the immediate preparation for oxygen administration. However, it can be considered as part of overall patient comfort and care.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying the client using 2 client identifiers is crucial to ensure the correct patient is receiving the correct treatment, which is a standard safety protocol in healthcare settings.

Choice C rationale:

Performing hand hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of infection and maintain a sterile environment.

Choice D rationale:

Brushing the client’s teeth is not a necessary step before applying a simple face mask for oxygen administration. It is more related to general oral hygiene.

Choice E rationale:

Donning gloves is important to protect both the nurse and the patient from potential contamination and infection.

Choice F rationale:

Checking the skin around the face is important to ensure there are no existing sores or irritations that could be exacerbated by the mask.

Choice G rationale:

Assessing respiratory function is critical to determine the patient’s baseline respiratory status and to monitor the effectiveness of the oxygen therapy.

B. Place patient on oxygen 2 to 4 liters and maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%.

Rationale:

Hypoxemia: Patients who have undergone cholecystectomy are at risk for developing hypoxemia due to various factors, including:

Atelectasis: Collapsed lung tissue can impair gas exchange, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Pneumonia: A potential post-operative complication that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, hindering oxygen uptake.

Pain: Post-surgical pain can inhibit deep breathing and coughing, which are essential for maintaining adequate lung function.

Oxygen Therapy: Supplementing oxygen helps to increase oxygen saturation and improve overall tissue oxygenation, reducing the strain on the heart and other organs.

Oxygen Saturation Goal: Maintaining oxygen saturation at or above 95% ensures that the patient's tissues are receiving sufficient oxygen to meet their metabolic needs.

C. Stat 2 views chest x-ray.

Rationale:

Chest X-ray: A valuable diagnostic tool that can visualize the lungs and surrounding structures, aiding in the assessment of: Atelectasis: Appears as areas of increased density on the x-ray, indicating collapsed lung tissue.

Pneumonia: May present as consolidation (solid white areas) or infiltrates (patchy areas of increased density) on the x-ray. Pleural effusion: Fluid accumulation in the pleural space, which can impair lung expansion and gas exchange.

Pneumothorax: Presence of air in the pleural space, which can cause lung collapse and respiratory distress.

Early Detection: Prompt identification of respiratory complications through chest x-ray allows for timely interventions and prevents further deterioration of the patient's condition.

E. Complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), and blood cultures.

Rationale:

CBC: Assesses for signs of infection or inflammation, including:

Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis) Increased neutrophils (neutrophilia)

Anemia (low red blood cell count)

BMP: Evaluates electrolyte and kidney function, which can be affected by infections and post-operative complications.

Blood Cultures: Determines the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, allowing for identification of the causative organism and guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy.

F. Start the patient on antibiotic therapy.

Rationale:

Infection Risk: The patient's history of cholangitis and recent surgery increase the risk of infection. Prophylactic Antibiotics: Often administered after cholecystectomy to prevent post-operative infections.

Early Intervention: Prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial in managing infections and preventing serious complications such as sepsis.