A preoperative client has a serum albumin level of 2.8 mg/dL. The nurse recognizes this places the client at higher risk for which of the following postoperative complications?
1. Pneumonia
2. Bleeding
3. Blood clots
4. Increased pain
Pneumonia
Rationale: A preoperative client with a low serum albumin level of 2.8 mg/dL is at increased risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. Other complications this client might be at risk for would be poor wound healing, dehiscence, and increased likelihood of infection. The client would have no increased risk for bleeding, blood clots, or increased pain based upon the serum albumin level.
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