The nurse is caring for four clients: Client A, who has emphysema and an oxygen saturation of 94%; Client B, with a postoperative hemoglobin of 8.7 g/dL; Client C, newly admitted with a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L; and Client D, scheduled for an appendectomy with a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm3. What intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm3 indicates an infection, which can be a contraindication for surgery. The nurse should inform Client D that surgery is likely to be delayed until the infection is treated to prevent complications.
Choice A is incorrect as increasing oxygen for Client A may not be necessary based on the oxygen saturation level of 94%, which is within the normal range.
Choice B is incorrect because determining if packed cells are available in the blood bank for Client B with a hemoglobin of 8.7 g/dL does not address the immediate concern of the possible surgical delay due to infection.
Choice C is incorrect as adding a banana to Client C's breakfast tray for a potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is not a priority compared to addressing the potential surgical delay for Client D.
Nokea