An elderly client is received into the postanesthesia recovery room (PACU) following a 6-hour abdominal surgery. The client received several liters of IV fluids during the surgery

Question

Which of the following lab results would the nurse most likely see with this client? 1. Sodium—128 mEq/L; potassium—3.0 mEq/L; chloride—96 mEq/L
2. Sodium—148 mEq/L; potassium—5.1 mEq/L; chloride—107 mEq/L
3. Sodium—140 mEq/L; potassium—4.0 mEq/L; chloride—100 mEq/L
4. Sodium—135 mEq/L; potassium—3.5 mEq/L; chloride—98 mEq/L

Answer 1

Sodium—128 mEq/L; potassium—3.0 mEq/L; chloride—96 mEq/L

Rationale: This client has an excess fluid volume and the nurse would anticipate the electrolytes to be low (sodium—128 mEq/L; potassium—3.0 mEq/L; chloride—96 mEq/L). These values would be of greatest concern. If the electrolyte values are high (sodium—148 mEq/L; potassium—5.1 mEq/L; chloride—107 mEq/L), the nurse could anticipate the client to be dehydrated. For the answer response with the sodium—140 mEq/L; potassium—4.0 mEq/L; chloride—100 mEq/L, these reflect normal lab values. The sodium level of 135 mEq/L is just barely below normal limits; however, the client could still be at risk for excess fluid volume since all electrolytes are at the lower end of normal range.

Nursing Process: Planning