The outpatient surgery nurse reviews the complete blood cell (CBC) count results for a patient who is scheduled for surgery. The results are white blood cell (WBC) count 10.2 x 103/μL;
hemoglobin 15 g/dL; hematocrit 45%; platelets 150 x 103/μL. Which action should the nurse
take?
Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist immediately.
Ask the patient about any symptoms of a recent infection.
Continue to prepare the patient for the surgical procedure.
The Correct Answer is C
C. The client’s laboratory values are all within normal range. It is therefore, safe for the nurse to proceed with preparation for theatre.
A. Notifying the provider immediately is a preferred action in the case of any abnormal laboratory values of concern.
B. Questioning on the recent infection would be relevant if the white blood count is elevated which is not the case in this scenario.
D. The client’s hemoglobin is within normal range and therefore, no need for transfusion at this point.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Applying ice to the affected knee is a common postoperative instruction after arthroscopic knee surgery. Ice helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain in the surgical area. It is usually recommended to apply ice intermittently for short periods during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery.
A. Keeping the leg in a dependent position, where it is hanging down, is not typically recommended following arthroscopic knee surgery.
C. Complete bedrest for the first 24 hours after arthroscopic knee surgery is not typically necessary or recommended. Early mobilization and gentle range of motion exercises are usually encouraged to prevent complications such as blood clots and joint stiffness.
D. These exercises help restore joint mobility, prevent stiffness, and promote healing of the surgical site. However, the timing and specific exercises should be guided by the surgeon's instructions and individual patient factors.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Acute compartment syndrome occurs when increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation to the muscles and nerves within that compartment. Fractures, especially those accompanied by significant soft tissue injury or bleeding, can lead to compartment syndrome.
A Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that can occur as a complication of fractures, particularly if the fracture is open (the bone breaks through the skin). This occurs in the later courses of an infection.
C Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat globules from fractured bones enter the bloodstream and become lodged in small blood vessels in organs such as the lungs, brain, and skin. Increasing edema is not an early sign of fat embolism.
D Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious condition where a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. While fractures, especially long bone fractures, can increase the risk of developing blood clots, increasing edema in the fractured limb is not typically an early sign of pulmonary embolism.
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