A client is scheduled for an elective laparoscopic prostatectomy in the morning. The nurse should notify the health care provider (HCP) about which assessment data as soon as possible before surgery? A)Hemoglobin 15 g/dL (150 g/L), hematocrit 45% (0.45) B)International Normalized Ratio (INR) 1.3 C)Platelet count 295,000/mm³ (295 × 10⁹/L) D)Temperature 100.4 F (38 C) with cough

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Low-grade temperature and cough could indicate the presence of an infection, and the nurse should report these findings to the HCP as soon as possible before surgery. The administration of anesthesia in a client with a fever and cough can exacerbate an unknown viral or bacterial condition, increase the risk for postoperative pneumonia, and interfere with the postoperative healing process. The HCP may prescribe further testing, consult the anesthesia professional, postpone the elective surgery, or proceed with the surgery depending on the individual situation and type of surgery scheduled. (Options A, B, and C) Hemoglobin (13.2-17.3 g/dL [132-173 g/L]), hematocrit (39%-50% [0.39-0.50]), and platelet count (150,000- 400,000/mm³ [150-400 × 10⁹/L]) levels are within normal ranges and do not indicate increased risk for a bleeding problem. Normal INR is 0.75-1.25; 1.3 is only borderline elevation and would not increase the bleeding risk. Educational objective: The HCP should be notified as soon as possible if a client scheduled for surgery develops manifestations that could indicate a possible infection. Anesthesia and the physiologic stress of surgery in the presence of fever and cough can cause potential intraoperative and postoperative complications.

A Client Is Scheduled for an Elective Laparoscopic Prostatectomy in the Morning