The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist for an adult patient who is scheduled for an operative procedure later in the morning. Which preoperative assessment finding for this patient indicates a need to contact the anaesthesiologist?
a. Temperature 39ºC
b. Pulse 90 beats per minute
c. Respirations 20 breaths per minute
d. Blood pressure 130/74 mm Hg
A
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A An elevated temperature before surgery is a cause for concern. If the patient has an underlying infection, the surgeon may choose to postpone surgery until the infection has been treated. An elevated body temperature increases the risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance after surgery.
B Anxiety and fear commonly cause elevations in heart rate and blood pressure. A pulse rate of 90 beats per minute is not a concern.
C A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is normal for an adult.
D Anxiety and fear commonly cause elevations in heart rate and blood pressure. A blood pressure of 130/74 mm Hg is not excessively elevated.
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