The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes who had abdominal surgery 3 days ago. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oral temperature of 101° F (38.3° C). A postoperative fever could indicate infection, especially in a diabetic patient who is at higher risk. The nurse should report this finding promptly for further evaluation and treatment. Choice A is within the normal range for blood glucose in a patient with diabetes. Choice B, separation of wound edges, could indicate delayed wound healing but is not as urgent as a potential infection. Choice D, increased incisional pain, is expected postoperatively and may not necessarily indicate a complication unless accompanied by other symptoms.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Airway. Priority in postoperative assessment is airway patency to ensure oxygenation and prevent airway obstruction. The rationale is based on the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) of prioritizing patient care. Ensuring a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation, preventing hypoxia and respiratory distress. Bleeding (B) can be addressed once airway is secured. Breathing (C) is important but comes after ensuring the airway. Cardiac rhythm (D) is important but is secondary to airway assessment in this situation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dyspnea. Loop diuretics can lead to potassium deficiency, which can manifest as symptoms such as muscle weakness, constipation, and tinnitus. Dyspnea is not typically associated with potassium deficiency. Potassium plays a crucial role in muscle and nerve function, so muscle weakness is a common symptom. Constipation can occur due to altered smooth muscle function with low potassium levels. Tinnitus can be a result of inner ear disturbances related to potassium imbalances. However, dyspnea is more commonly associated with respiratory or cardiovascular issues rather than potassium deficiency.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient's symptoms suggest a possible vascular issue, such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Palpating for the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses can help assess the adequacy of blood flow in the lower extremities. A decrease or absence of these pulses may indicate compromised blood flow, leading to symptoms like leg cramps and pain with activity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly address the patient's symptoms of leg cramps and pain with walking, which are suggestive of a vascular etiology. Looking for tortuous veins, skin color changes in response to cold, or unilateral swelling, redness, and tenderness may be indicative of other conditions like varicose veins, Raynaud's phenomenon, or deep vein thrombosis, respectively. However, these symptoms are not consistent with the patient's presentation in this scenario.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct interpretation of the arterial blood gas results provided is respiratory alkalosis (Choice D). 1. pH is high (alkalosis) at 7.48, indicating respiratory alkalosis. 2. PaO2 is within normal range, ruling out any significant oxygenation issues. 3. PaCO2 is low at 32 mm Hg, indicating respiratory alkalosis. 4. HCO3 is within normal range at 25 mEq/L, not indicative of metabolic acid-base imbalance. Summary: - Choice A (Metabolic acidosis) is incorrect as HCO3 is within normal range. - Choice B (Metabolic alkalosis) is incorrect as HCO3 is within normal range. - Choice C (Respiratory acidosis) is incorrect as PaCO2 is low, indicating alkalosis.