A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for surgery this morning. Which of the following results will cause the nurse to place a call to the surgical team?

Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mm)

Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL (106.1 umol/L)

Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)

Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is below the normal range (typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Abnormal potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), especially if the potassium level drops further or if there is rapid fluctuation. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the surgical team to assess the client's cardiac status and determine if potassium replacement is needed before proceeding with surgery.
B.   Creatinine levels are used to assess kidney function. A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 0.6-1.2 mg/dL). While kidney function is important to evaluate before surgery, this result is not immediately concerning enough to require an urgent call to the surgical team.
C.   Hemoglobin levels are assessed to evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A hemoglobin level of 14.8 g/dL is within the normal range (typically 12-16 g/dL for women and 13-18 g/dL for men). This result indicates adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and does not require immediate communication with the surgical team.

D.   Sodium levels are important for fluid balance and nerve function. A sodium level of 134 mEq/L is within the normal range (typically 135-145 mEq/L). While sodium levels should be monitored, this result is not critically abnormal and does not necessitate an urgent call to the surgical team.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Serum sodium levels are typically assessed to evaluate electrolyte balance and hydration status. While important for overall health assessment, it is not specifically related to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy.
B. This could be ordered for various reasons such as assessing lung status or identifying any abnormalities in the chest. It is not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy.
C. BUN levels are measured to assess kidney function and hydration status. While important for overall health assessment, it is not specifically related to monitoring the effects of warfarin therapy.
D. The INR is a standardized measurement of the blood's ability to clot. Warfarin works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, thereby prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. The INR is used to monitor and adjust warfarin dosage to maintain therapeutic anticoagulation levels, especially in patients with conditions like atrial fibrillation who are at risk of blood clots.

A. Metabolic alkalosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Metabolic acidosis D. Respiratory acidosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an increase in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels in the blood, resulting in an elevated pH (>7.45). Shallow respirations are less likely to cause metabolic alkalosis directly.
B. This is not likely the initial risk. Respiratory alkalosis occurs due to hyperventilation, leading to excessive elimination of CO2 (carbon dioxide), which raises the blood pH (>7.45). Shallow respirations typically result in retention of CO2, leading to respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an increase in acid (decreased pH <7.35) or a decrease in bicarbonate levels in the blood. Shallow respirations can lead to hypoventilation and retention of CO2, resulting in respiratory acidosis initially.
D. Shallow respirations at a rate of 9 breaths per minute reduce the elimination of CO2, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This accumulation lowers the blood pH (<7.35), causing respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the client is initially at risk for developing respiratory acidosis due to ineffective ventilation.

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A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for surgery this morning. Which of the following results will cause the nurse to place a call to the surgical team?

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