Question

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is to undergo general anesthesia for surgery. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider?

a) Serum potassium 2.8 mEq/L
b) Serum sodium 140 mEq/L
c) INR 1.5
d) BUN 12 mg/dL

Answer 1

The nurse should report the serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, which indicates hypokalemia and can present serious risks during general anesthesia. The other reported values are within normal ranges.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report the finding of a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L to the provider. A normal serum potassium level is generally between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. A level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can cause serious issues, especially in the context of general anesthesia and surgery, as potassium plays a crucial role in cardiac function. Therefore, correcting this electrolyte imbalance prior to the procedure is critical. The other values mentioned (serum sodium of 140 mEq/L, INR of 1.5, BUN of 12 mg/dL) are within normal ranges or would not typically warrant immediate concern prior to general anesthesia.