A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative and has anemia due to excess blood loss following surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Bradypnea: Bradypnea refers to abnormally slow breathing. In the context of postoperative atelectasis and hypoxia, the client is more likely to exhibit tachypnea (rapid breathing) as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygen levels.

B. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is an abnormally slow heart rate. While hypoxia can lead to changes in heart rate, it is more common to observe tachycardia (increased heart rate) as a compensatory response to decreased oxygen levels.

C. Intercostal retractions: Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs pull inward during inspiration. In a client with atelectasis and hypoxia, increased respiratory effort may result in intercostal retractions as the body tries to enhance airflow and improve oxygenation.

D. Lethargy: Lethargy refers to a state of drowsiness or fatigue. While hypoxia can lead to lethargy, it is not a specific respiratory manifestation. Other respiratory signs, such as increased respiratory rate and retractions, are more likely to be observed.

A. "These tests help determine the degree of damage to the heart tissues." - This is the correct statement. Cardiac enzyme studies, such as creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, troponin I, and troponin T, are used to assess the extent of myocardial damage during an acute myocardial infarction (MI). Elevated levels of these enzymes indicate myocardial injury and help healthcare providers determine the severity of the heart tissue damage.

B. "Cardiac enzymes will identify the location of the MI." - While cardiac enzymes can confirm the presence of an MI, they do not specifically identify the location of the infarction. Other diagnostic tools, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and imaging studies, may help determine the location of the MI.

C. "Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of pulmonary congestion." - Cardiac enzymes are not used to diagnose pulmonary congestion. Other diagnostic methods, such as chest X-rays and physical examination, are more appropriate for assessing pulmonary congestion.

D. "These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure and mobility of the heart valves." - Cardiac enzyme studies do not provide information about the overall heart structure or the mobility of heart valves. Imaging studies, such as echocardiography, are used for this purpose.