A client who is scheduled for surgery the following day has preoperative electrolyte levels drawn. The nurse would notify the surgeon's office to report
A) a calcium level of 9.6 mg/dl.
B) a chloride level of 101 mEq/L.
C) a potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L.
D) a sodium level of 132 mEq/L.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plasma ranges for electrolytes are 135 to 145 mEq/L for sodium, 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L for potassium, 98 to 106 mEq/L for chloride, and 4.5 to 5.5 mEq/L (or 9-11 mg/dl) for calcium. The nurse should report even borderline potassium levels because general anesthesia not only promotes potassium loss, but in combination with lower plasma potassium levels, synergistically increases the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias.

A Client Who Is Scheduled for Surgery the Following Day