Question

On the second postoperative day, the healthcare provider notes the patient's hemoglobin has remained steady but the hematocrit has decreased from 48%to 46%. Which intervention is most appropriate for the healthcare provider to implement?

Choose 1 answer:

A. Increase the IV flow rate.
B. Check the surgical site for increased bleeding.
C. Administer oxygen at 2 L/minute.
D. Continue to monitor the patient.

Answer 1

The most appropriate intervention for the healthcare provider in this case would be to continue monitoring the patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the most appropriate intervention for the healthcare provider, we need to understand the significance of the patient's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, while hematocrit represents the percentage of red blood cells in the total blood volume.

In this case, the patient's hemoglobin levels remaining steady suggests no significant decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity. However, the decrease in hematocrit might indicate dilution of red blood cells, which can occur due to an increase in plasma volume.

Given this information, the most appropriate intervention for the healthcare provider would be to continue to monitor the patient. This allows for observation of any further changes and evaluation of additional symptoms or clinical signs that may require further intervention.