The healthcare provider prescribes a 5% dextrose injection with 20 units of regular insulin for a client with a serum potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L) and glucose level of 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L). Which evaluation is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care?

Reference Range:

Potassium [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]

Choice A reason: Applying sequential compression stockings when in bed is a recommended postoperative intervention for bariatric surgery patients. It helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) by promoting venous return and reducing venous stasis, which is particularly important in patients with obesity due to their increased risk for DVT.
Choice B reason: Maintaining strict bedrest for 12 hours after surgery is not typically recommended as it can increase the risk of complications such as DVT and pulmonary embolism. Early mobilization is generally encouraged to promote circulation and respiratory function.
Choice C reason: Providing chilled beverages is not a specific nursing intervention indicated in the immediate postoperative period for bariatric surgery patients. Fluid intake should be carefully monitored and regulated, but the temperature of the beverages is not a primary concern.
Choice D reason: Changing position frequently is an important postoperative intervention to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and to promote lung expansion, especially in patients with obesity who are at higher risk for these issues.
Choice E reason: Encouraging coughing and deep breathing is essential after bariatric surgery to help clear the airways, prevent atelectasis, and improve oxygenation. This is particularly important for this patient who has a history of sleep apnea and reported diminished breath sounds postoperatively.
Choice F reason: Observing for signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome is relevant for bariatric surgery patients, as this syndrome can occur when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine. However, this is more of a long-term concern rather than an immediate postoperative intervention.
Choice G reason: Keeping the client NPO (nothing by mouth) is a common immediate postoperative order, but as the patient progresses, they will be started on a liquid diet and advanced as tolerated. Therefore, it is not a nursing intervention that would be indicated indefinitely.
Choice H reason: Maintaining the head at a 45-degree angle can help improve respiratory function by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, which is especially beneficial for patients with obesity and a history of sleep apnea, as in this case.

Choice A Reason: Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, typically below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). The client’s fasting blood glucose level is 122 mg/dL (6.8 mmol/L), which is above the normal range, thus ruling out hypoglycemia.

Choice B Reason: Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed when the fasting blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests1. The client’s level is slightly below this threshold, suggesting that he does not currently have diabetes mellitus but is at risk.

Choice C Reason: Prediabetes is indicated by a fasting blood glucose level of 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)1. The client’s level falls within this range, indicating that he has higher than normal blood glucose levels but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, hence prediabetes.

Choice D Reason: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is not applicable to this male client.

Option i Reason: Fatty liver disease is not directly indicated by the laboratory results provided and is typically associated with elevated liver enzymes and imaging findings.

Option ii Reason: Occupational factors are not directly related to the fasting blood glucose levels.

Option iii Reason: Lack of insulin production is a characteristic of type 1 diabetes, which is not indicated by the client’s fasting blood glucose level alone.

Option iv Reason: Impaired glucose tolerance is a condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is a characteristic of prediabetes and is indicated by the client’s fasting blood glucose level.