Patient Profile:

• Name: Mr. John Smith
• Age: 68 years
• Medical History: Osteoarthritis of the hip, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation
• Current Medications: Lisinopril, Metformin, Warfarin
• Surgical Procedure: Total hip replacement (THR) due to severe pain and limited mobility.

Preoperative Care:

• The nurse conducts a comprehensive assessment, including a physical examination, vital signs, and a review of Mr. Smith's medical history.
• Preoperative labs are ordered with the following abnormal values noted:
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC):
    1. Hemoglobin: 12.0 g/dL (normal range: 13.5-17.5 g/dL)
    2. Hematocrit: 36% (normal range: 38.8-50%)
  • Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP):
    1. Serum Creatinine: 3 mg/dL (normal range: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL)
    2. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): 24 mg/dL (normal range: 7-20 mg/dL)

• • Coagulation Studies:
    1. INR: 5 (normal range: 0.8-1.1)

Intraoperative Care:

• The scrub nurse assists in positioning Mr. Smith on the operating table.

During the post-op period, what four potential complications should be monitored?

Choice A reason: Shivering can be a response to various conditions, including cold temperatures or fever, but it is not a direct indicator to discontinue suctioning. While it may be concerning, it does not specifically suggest a problem caused by the suctioning procedure.

Choice B reason: Decreased SpO₂ (oxygen saturation) is a critical sign that the patient is not getting enough oxygen. This condition requires immediate attention, and suctioning should be stopped to assess and address the cause of the hypoxia. Continuing to suction can exacerbate respiratory distress and further lower oxygen levels.

Choice C reason: Absence of coughing is a sign that the patient's airway may be compromised or that the suctioning is too aggressive, potentially leading to further complications. Coughing is a protective reflex that helps clear the airway, and its absence indicates that the airway is not adequately protected, warranting cessation of suctioning.

Choice D reason: Development of dysrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) during suctioning is a serious concern. Dysrhythmias can indicate that the patient is experiencing significant physiological stress or that the vagus nerve is being stimulated, which can impact heart function. Immediate discontinuation of suctioning is necessary to prevent cardiac complications and to stabilize the patient's condition.

Choice E reason: Increased blood pressure, while indicative of stress or pain, is not an immediate indicator to stop suctioning. It should be monitored and addressed, but it does not pose the same immediate risk as decreased oxygen saturation or dysrhythmias.

Choice A reason: Liver cirrhosis is characterized by chronic liver damage leading to scarring and liver failure. The typical lab findings for liver cirrhosis would include elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and low albumin levels, which are not mentioned in the given test results.

Choice B reason: Acute hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections or toxins. Lab results consistent with acute hepatitis would show elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) significantly higher than normal, which are not provided in the text.

Choice C reason: Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones. Lab findings for cholecystitis may include elevated white blood cell count and sometimes mild elevation of liver enzymes, but not the specific elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase.

Choice D reason: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, and the hallmark lab findings include significantly elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. The test results show serum amylase of 920 units/L (reference: 30-220 units/L) and serum lipase of 704 units/L (reference: 0-160 units/L), which are highly indicative of acute pancreatitis. Elevated serum glucose and low serum calcium levels are also consistent with this diagnosis.