Which of the following is a potential consequence of consuming alcohol prior to an outpatient surgical procedure involving anesthesia?

A. Increasing sodium intake would exacerbate hypernatremia, not correct it. Hypernatremia is characterized by an excess of sodium in the blood, so the goal of treatment is to lower sodium levels, not increase them.
B. Infusing hypotonic IV fluids, such as 0.45% NaCl or D5W (5% dextrose in water), helps to dilute the high sodium concentration in the blood and can assist in correcting hypernatremia. Hypotonic fluids move water into cells and help balance the sodium levels by promoting hydration and lowering the sodium concentration.
C. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels), not hypernatremia. It works by exchanging potassium for sodium in the gastrointestinal tract and would not address hypernatremia.
D. Implementing a fluid restriction is generally not the best approach for treating hypernatremia. In fact, fluid restriction could worsen hypernatremia by limiting the client's fluid intake and not addressing the sodium imbalance. The primary goal in hypernatremia is usually to rehydrate the patient with appropriate fluids.

A. Obese patients often have decreased lung function due to reduced chest wall compliance and increased abdominal pressure, which can impair respiratory mechanics. This leads to a higher risk of respiratory complications such as hypoventilation, atelectasis, and pneumonia post-surgery.

B. Obesity places additional strain on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events like hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. This strain is compounded during surgery due to increased cardiac workload and potential fluid shifts.
C. Obesity impairs wound healing due to several factors, including decreased oxygenation to tissues, impaired immune function, and increased adipose tissue which can create a moist environment conducive to infection. This increases the risk of postoperative infections.
D. In fact, obesity is associated with an increased risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism) due to reduced mobility, chronic inflammation, and altered coagulation factors. Obesity does not improve circulation; rather, it often exacerbates venous stasis and clot formation.