A nurse is studying the differences between normal cells and benign tumor cells. What information is included in this?

Choice A rationale:
Prednisone:
Corticosteroid that suppresses the immune system: It's crucial to consult with the primary healthcare provider (PCP) because prednisone can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infection after surgery. The PCP may need to adjust the dosage or temporarily discontinue prednisone prior to surgery.
Potential for adrenal insufficiency: Abrupt cessation of prednisone can lead to adrenal insufficiency, a life-threatening condition. The PCP will provide guidance on how to taper the medication safely before surgery.
Interaction with anesthesia: Prednisone can interact with certain anesthetic agents, potentially increasing the risk of complications. The PCP and anesthesiologist will need to coordinate care to ensure safe medication management during surgery.
Choice B rationale:
Metoprolol:
Beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate: While metoprolol is generally safe to continue before surgery, it's still essential to inform the PCP and anesthesiologist about its use. They will monitor heart rate and blood pressure closely during and after surgery, as metoprolol can interact with certain medications used during the procedure.
Choice C rationale:
Warfarin:
Blood thinner that prevents blood clots: Warfarin requires careful management around surgery due to its significant bleeding risk. The PCP will typically recommend holding warfarin for several days before surgery to allow for normalization of blood clotting. They may also bridge with a shorter-acting anticoagulant if necessary.
Potential for bleeding complications: If warfarin is not managed appropriately, it can lead to excessive bleeding during or after surgery. The PCP will closely monitor the patient's INR (international normalized ratio), a measure of blood clotting, to ensure it's within the safe range for surgery.
Choice D rationale:
Insulin:
Hormone that regulates blood sugar: Patients with diabetes who take insulin require careful blood sugar control around surgery to prevent complications. The PCP will provide specific instructions on how to adjust insulin doses before, during, and after surgery, as insulin needs often change due to the stress of surgery and the impact of anesthesia.
Risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia: Both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can have serious consequences during and after surgery. The PCP will work with the patient to manage blood sugar levels and prevent these complications.
Choice E rationale:
Phenytoin:
Anticonvulsant medication that controls seizures: Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that blood levels must be closely monitored to ensure efficacy and prevent toxicity. Surgery can affect phenytoin levels, so the PCP will likely recommend checking a blood level before surgery and adjusting the dose as needed.
Potential for drug interactions: Phenytoin interacts with many medications, including some commonly used during surgery. The PCP will need to review the patient's medication list carefully and make any necessary adjustments to prevent interactions.
Choice F rationale:
Omega-3 fatty acid:
Generally safe to continue before surgery: Omega-3 fatty acids are not known to have significant interactions with medications used during surgery or to pose risks for wound healing or bleeding. However, it's always best to inform the PCP about any supplements being taken.

Rationale for Choice A:
Documentation is essential for communication and continuity of care, but it is not the most immediate priority in this situation.
The nurse should document the episode of vomiting, including the time, amount, and characteristics of the vomitus, as well as any associated symptoms or interventions.
However, auscultating lung sounds should be done first to assess for potential aspiration, which is a more urgent concern.
Rationale for Choice B:
Offering dry toast may be appropriate after the nurse has assessed for aspiration and determined that it is safe for the client to resume oral intake.
However, it is not the most important action at this time.
The nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status and address any potential complications.
Rationale for Choice C:
Rest is important for healing and recovery, but it is not the most immediate priority in this situation. The nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status and address any potential complications. Once the client is stable, the nurse can then encourage rest.
Rationale for Choice D:
Auscultating lung sounds is the most important action for the nurse to take after a client vomits.
This is because aspiration of vomitus is a serious complication that can lead to pneumonia, respiratory distress, and even death.
By auscultating lung sounds, the nurse can assess for signs of aspiration, such as crackles, wheezing, or diminished breath sounds.
If aspiration is suspected, the nurse can initiate appropriate interventions, such as suctioning, oxygen therapy, and positioning the client to facilitate drainage of secretions.