The nurse is reviewing the presurgical patient's laboratory reports and notes an elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin. The nurse understands that this patient is most at risk for which potential complication?
a. Excessive bleeding during or after surgery
b. An increased serum albumin level
c. Postsurgical respiratory infection
d. Delayed wound healing
A
The AST and bilirubin are liver studies. Elevated levels may indicate a dysfunctional liver. The liver is directly involved with clotting factors; therefore, this patient would be at risk for exces-sive bleeding. The serum albumin level would most likely be decreased if the liver is not func-tioning properly. Postsurgical wound infection and delayed wound healing risks are not directly related to liver function.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is performing an assessment on a 7-year-old child who has symptoms of chronic watery eyes, sneezing, and clear nasal drainage. The nurse notices the presence of a transverse line across the bridge of the nose, dark blue shadows below the eyes,
and a double crease on the lower eyelids. These findings are characteristic of: a. Allergies. b. Sinus infection. c. Nasal congestion. d. Upper respiratory infection.
A client complains of dizziness when moving from a reclining position to a standing position. Which of these assessments will provide the nurse with the MOST pertinent data about the client's symptoms?
a. respiratory pattern c. positional blood pressures b. temperature d. radial and carotid pulses
A 33-year-old female patient visits the clinic multiple times over the last year complaining of dysuria, frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and dyspareunia. Her physical examination, including a pelvic exam, is normal
Urinalysis and urine culture is repeatedly negative. Her intravenous pyelogram is also normal. The clinician should recognize that this presentation is consistent with symptoms of: A. Asymptomatic bacteriuria B. Upper urinary tract infection C. Interstitial cystitis D. Polycystic kidneys
Which type of incontinence is most common after a difficult vaginal delivery?
a. Stress b. Urge c. Reflex d. Overflow