The nurse is preparing an older client for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast. Which laboratory value should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before the scan is performed?

Reference Range:
Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) [4% to 5.9%]
Creatinine [0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 umol/L)]
Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)]
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) [10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L)]

Choice A reason: Using incentive spirometer is not an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, because it is not related to the procedure or the condition. The incentive spirometer is a device that helps improve lung function and prevent respiratory complications by encouraging deep breathing and coughing. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B reason: Monitoring urinary stream for decrease in output is an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, because it can indicate urinary retention or obstruction, which are potential complications of the procedure. The client should report any difficulty or inability to urinate, severe pain, or fever to the health care provider. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C reason: Reporting when hematuria becomes pink tinged is not an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, because it is not a sign of a problem. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common and expected finding after the procedure, and it usually resolves within a few days. The client should drink plenty of fluids to flush out the blood clots and debris. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Restricting physical activities is an information that the nurse should include in the discharge instructions for a client with BPH following a TUNA, but it is not the best answer. The client should avoid strenuous activities, such as lifting heavy objects, driving, or sexual intercourse, for at least two weeks after the procedure to prevent bleeding and infection. However, this information is less important than monitoring urinary stream for decrease in output. Therefore, this choice is not the best answer.

For Potential Conditions:

The correct answer is c) Abdominal compartment syndrome.

Choice A reason: Pneumothorax is a condition where air leaks into the pleural space, causing lung collapse and impaired gas exchange. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, chest pain, and decreased breath sounds on the affected side. However, it does not cause abdominal distension, acidosis, or hyperglycemia.

Choice B reason: Pulmonary embolism is a condition where a blood clot blocks one or more pulmonary arteries, causing impaired gas exchange and reduced blood flow to the lungs. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, chest pain, and tachycardia. However, it does not cause abdominal distension, acidosis, or hyperglycemia.

Choice C reason: Abdominal compartment syndrome is a condition where increased intra-abdominal pressure causes reduced blood flow to the abdominal organs and impaired diaphragm movement. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, abdominal distension, acidosis, decreased urine output, and organ failure. It is a common complication of cirrhosis with ascites.

Choice D reason: Sepsis is a condition where a systemic inflammatory response to an infection causes organ dysfunction and hypoperfusion. It can cause respiratory distress, hypoxia, fever or hypothermia, tachycardia, acidosis, and hyperglycemia. However, it does not cause abdominal distension unless there is an intra-abdominal infection.

The two actions the nurse should take to address abdominal compartment syndrome are:

• Prepare the client for a paracentesis: Paracentesis is a procedure where a needle or catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to drain excess fluid and reduce intra-abdominal pressure.
• Place an intravenous line to start fluid boluses: Fluid boluses are given to maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion to the vital organs.

The two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client’s progress are:

• Oxygen saturation: Oxygen saturation reflects the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood. It should be maintained above 90% to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to the tissues.
• Urine output: Urine output reflects the function of the kidneys and the perfusion of the renal arteries. It should be maintained above 0.5 mL/kg/hour to prevent acute kidney injury and electrolyte imbalances.