A postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse is assessing a postoperative client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What laboratory values would warrant intervention by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
a. Blood glucose: 120 mg/dL
b. Hemoglobin: 7.8 mg/dL
c. pH: 7.68
d. Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L
e. Sodium: 142 mEq/L
ANS: B, C, D
Fluid and electrolyte balance are assessed carefully in the postoperative client because many imbalances can occur. The low hemoglobin may be from blood loss in surgery. The higher pH level indicates alkalosis, possibly from losses through the NG tube. The potassium is very low. The blood glucose is within normal limits for a postsurgical client who has been fasting. The sodium level is normal.
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