A nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a surgical procedure. The nurse is reviewing the patient’s electronic medical record.
Which of the following findings places the patient at risk for a surgical complication? Select all that apply.

Choice A rationale
Experiencing poverty can indeed be a source of chronic stress due to the ongoing hardships and struggles associated with financial instability. However, it is not typically classified as an example of acute stress, which is usually associated with a specific event or situation that causes a sudden and intense reaction.
Choice B rationale
Being a victim of a crime is a prime example of an acute stressor. This is because it is a specific event that can cause immediate emotional and physiological reactions. The individual may experience intense feelings of fear, shock, or distress, and these reactions typically occur immediately after the event.
Choice C rationale
Being part of a dysfunctional family can lead to chronic stress due to ongoing family conflicts, communication problems, or other issues. While specific incidents within the family context (like a heated argument) could potentially trigger acute stress responses, the overall experience of living in a dysfunctional family is more commonly associated with chronic stress.
Choice D rationale
Experiencing racism can lead to both acute and chronic stress. Acute stress might occur in response to a specific incident of racial discrimination, while chronic stress could result from living in a society where racism is pervasive. However, without a specific incident mentioned, it is less likely to be considered an example of acute stress compared to being a victim of a crime.

Choice A rationale
While prothrombin level is an important test in evaluating blood clotting disorders, it is not typically used in the initial diagnostic evaluations for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or stroke.
Choice B rationale
Brain CT or MRI scans are commonly used in the initial diagnostic evaluations for a CVA. These imaging tests can show bleeding in the brain, an ischemic stroke, a tumor, or other conditions.
Choice C rationale
A chest x-ray is not typically used in the initial diagnostic evaluations for a CVA. It is more commonly used to diagnose conditions affecting the lungs and heart.
Choice D rationale
A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, may be used in some cases to help diagnose a CVA, but it is not typically part of the initial diagnostic evaluations.