The patient is a 65-year-old male admitted to the medical surgical unit after a total cholecystectomy.
He has a past medical history of hypertension, heart failure, type 1 diabetes mellitus, cholelithiasis, and cholangitis. Which physician orders would the nurse anticipate being prescribed after reporting findings? Select all that apply.

B. Place patient on oxygen 2 to 4 liters and maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95%.

Rationale:

Hypoxemia: Patients who have undergone cholecystectomy are at risk for developing hypoxemia due to various factors, including:

Atelectasis: Collapsed lung tissue can impair gas exchange, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood.

Pneumonia: A potential post-operative complication that can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, hindering oxygen uptake.

Pain: Post-surgical pain can inhibit deep breathing and coughing, which are essential for maintaining adequate lung function.

Oxygen Therapy: Supplementing oxygen helps to increase oxygen saturation and improve overall tissue oxygenation, reducing the strain on the heart and other organs.

Oxygen Saturation Goal: Maintaining oxygen saturation at or above 95% ensures that the patient's tissues are receiving sufficient oxygen to meet their metabolic needs.

C. Stat 2 views chest x-ray.

Rationale:

Chest X-ray: A valuable diagnostic tool that can visualize the lungs and surrounding structures, aiding in the assessment of: Atelectasis: Appears as areas of increased density on the x-ray, indicating collapsed lung tissue.

Pneumonia: May present as consolidation (solid white areas) or infiltrates (patchy areas of increased density) on the x-ray. Pleural effusion: Fluid accumulation in the pleural space, which can impair lung expansion and gas exchange.

Pneumothorax: Presence of air in the pleural space, which can cause lung collapse and respiratory distress.

Early Detection: Prompt identification of respiratory complications through chest x-ray allows for timely interventions and prevents further deterioration of the patient's condition.

E. Complete blood count (CBC), basic metabolic panel (BMP), and blood cultures.

Rationale:

CBC: Assesses for signs of infection or inflammation, including:

Elevated white blood cell count (leukocytosis) Increased neutrophils (neutrophilia)

Anemia (low red blood cell count)

BMP: Evaluates electrolyte and kidney function, which can be affected by infections and post-operative complications.

Blood Cultures: Determines the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, allowing for identification of the causative organism and guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy.

F. Start the patient on antibiotic therapy.

Rationale:

Infection Risk: The patient's history of cholangitis and recent surgery increase the risk of infection. Prophylactic Antibiotics: Often administered after cholecystectomy to prevent post-operative infections.

Early Intervention: Prompt initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial in managing infections and preventing serious complications such as sepsis.

Choice A rationale:

Maintains airway patency: Leaving the old ties in place until the new ones are secure ensures that the tracheostomy tube remains in the correct position and prevents accidental decannulation, which could obstruct the airway and lead to respiratory distress or arrest. This is the most important priority in tracheostomy care.

Prevents tube displacement: Accidental decannulation can occur during tie changes, especially in patients with copious secretions or who are restless or agitated. Keeping the old ties in place acts as a safety measure to keep the tube in position even if the new ties are not immediately secured.

Allows for adjustments: If the new ties are not tied correctly or are too tight, the old ties can be loosened or removed to make adjustments without compromising the airway.

Minimizes anxiety: Leaving the old ties in place can help to reduce anxiety in patients who are apprehensive about the tie- changing process, as it provides a sense of security and ensures that the tube will not be dislodged.

Choice B rationale:

Increases risk of skin irritation: Knots tied close to the tube can rub against the skin, causing irritation, discomfort, and potential skin breakdown, especially in patients with sensitive skin or who have copious secretions.

Impinges on blood flow: Tight knots can also constrict blood vessels, potentially impairing circulation to the skin around the tracheostomy site.

Difficult to remove in emergencies: Knots tied too close to the tube can be challenging to untie quickly in case of an emergency, such as accidental decannulation or the need to suction secretions.

Choice C rationale:

Not appropriate for all patients: Disposable, soft foam collars with self-adhesive fastening may not be suitable for patients with copious secretions, as the adhesive may not adhere well to moist skin.

May not provide adequate support: These collars may not provide the same level of support as traditional tracheostomy ties, especially in patients with active neck movement or who are at risk of accidental decannulation.

Potential for skin irritation: The adhesive on the collar can also irritate the skin around the tracheostomy site in some patients.

Choice D rationale:

May not prevent irritation: Placing knots laterally may not completely eliminate the risk of skin irritation, as the ties can still rub against the skin with neck movement or when the patient is lying down.

Could lead to accidental loosening: Knots tied laterally may be more prone to accidental loosening, especially if the patient is restless or agitated.