The nurse is performing the preoperative assessment for a client scheduled for a vertebroplasty of the cervical spine. Which finding should the nurse alert the healthcare provider of prior to the procedure?

A. Measure pulse and blood pressure:
This action is crucial to assess the client's cardiovascular status. Weakness and jitteriness can be related to changes in blood pressure or cardiac function. Measuring pulse and blood pressure helps determine the client's hemodynamic stability.

B. Document anxiety on the surgical checklist:
While anxiety is a valid consideration, addressing the physiological aspects of the client's symptoms takes precedence.

C. Assess skin temperature and moisture:
Assessing skin temperature and moisture provides information about the client's perfusion and hydration status. Changes in skin characteristics can be indicative of underlying issues, and in a diabetic patient, it's important to monitor for potential complications affecting skin integrity.

D. Check fingerstick glucose level:
Given the client's recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the reported symptoms of weakness and jitteriness, checking the fingerstick glucose level is crucial. Fluctuations in blood glucose levels, whether hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, can contribute to these symptoms. This test provides immediate information about the client's glycemic status.

E. Administer a PRN dose of regular insulin:
If the fingerstick glucose level indicates hyperglycemia and the healthcare provider has prescribed a PRN (as needed) dose of regular insulin for high blood sugar, administering insulin may be necessary to address hyperglycemia promptly. This is in line with diabetes management protocols, and the nurse should follow specific orders and guidelines for insulin administration.

A. Carcinogens are substances that contain cancerous cells:
This statement is incorrect. Carcinogens are substances that have the potential to cause cancer, but they do not necessarily contain cancerous cells themselves.

B. Substances that change a cell so that it becomes cancerous are potential sources of cancer:
This is the correct answer. Carcinogens are agents that can induce changes in the genetic material of cells, leading to the development of cancer. They can initiate or promote the process of carcinogenesis.

C. Environmental factors such as sunlight and chemicals can cause cancer to spread:
This statement is not accurate. Carcinogens can contribute to the initiation or promotion of cancer, but the spread of cancer (metastasis) involves complex biological processes and is not directly caused by environmental factors.

D. Carcinogens are in the environment and cannot be avoided:
This statement is not accurate. While carcinogens may be present in the environment, efforts can be made to minimize exposure and adopt preventive measures. Avoidance of known carcinogens and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle can contribute to cancer prevention.