A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is scheduled for surgery.

Exhibits

The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record. Which of the following findings places the client at risk for delayed wound healing. Select all that apply.

A. Headache: Headache can occur during a transfusion reaction but is usually a less urgent symptom. It should be monitored but is not the highest priority.

B. Urticaria: Urticaria (hives) often indicates a mild allergic reaction to the transfusion. It requires intervention but is generally not immediately life-threatening.

C. Dyspnea: Dyspnea signals possible respiratory distress, which may indicate a severe transfusion reaction such as anaphylaxis or transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). This requires immediate attention and reporting to prevent respiratory failure.

D. Hyperthermia: A fever during transfusion suggests a febrile non-hemolytic reaction or infection risk, which is important but typically not as urgent as respiratory distress.

A. The WBC count was not provided in the nurse’s notes or diagnostic section. Without any indication of infection or abnormal lab values, there is no basis to report WBC.

B. Although the pain level is mild (2/10), it may be contributing to anxiety, increased heart rate (110/min), and elevated BP (158/96 mm Hg). Report in context as part of a comprehensive assessment. Also, confirming that the pain is not worsening or atypical in nature is essential preoperatively.

C. The abdomen is soft, rounded, non-distended, with no tenderness, and active bowel sounds in all four quadrants — all normal postoperative readiness findings for abdominal surgery.

D. Knowing the blood type is routine pre-op procedure and is not an abnormal or urgent finding that needs immediate reporting. It is only relevant if transfusion is anticipated, which is not suggested here.

E. The client is requesting further details about the risks and benefits of surgery, which raises a legal and ethical concern about informed consent. The provider must ensure the client fully understands the procedure, otherwise surgery cannot proceed.

F. This is significantly elevated compared to baseline (126/74). Pre-op hypertension can increase surgical and anesthesia risk and should be evaluated further. It may be due to anxiety, pain, or another condition.

G. Platelet count values were not given in the scenario. Without abnormal lab results or bleeding concerns, there is no indication to report this.

H. This is lower than the previous baseline (97%). An SpO₂ < 94% on room air can signal underlying respiratory issues, atelectasis, sedation effects, or cardiac dysfunction, all of which should be addressed preoperatively.

I. The client ate breakfast at 0730 before a scheduled procedure, violating NPO (nothing by mouth) protocol. This significantly increases the risk of aspiration under anesthesia and must be reported immediately. The surgery may need to be rescheduled.

J. Capillary refill < 2 seconds is normal, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion. No issues with circulation are noted, so there's no reason to notify the provider.