A patient is receiving intravenous fluids postoperatively ...

[ss2343]

A patient is receiving intravenous fluids postoperatively following cardiac surgery. On which potential postoperative complication should the nurse focus the assessment of this patient?
 
  1. fluid volume excess
  2. fluid volume deficit
  3. seizure activity
  4. liver failure

Question 2

A patient recovering from surgery has an indwelling urinary catheter. For which 24-hour urine output volumes should the nurse notify the patient's healthcare provider?
 
  1. 600 milliliters
  2. 750 milliliters
  3. 1000 milliliters
  4. 1200 milliliters

[anyusername12131]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

Antidiuretic hormone and aldosterone levels are commonly increased following the stress response before, during, and immediately after surgery. This increase leads to sodium and water retention. Adding more fluids intravenously can cause a fluid volume excess and stress upon the heart and circulatory system. Liver failure is not anticipated related to postoperative intravenous fluid administration. Seizure activity would more commonly be associated with electrolyte imbalances.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

A urine output of less than 30 milliliters per hour must be reported to the primary healthcare provider. This indicates inadequate renal perfusion, placing the patient at increased risk for acute renal failure and inadequate tissue perfusion. There is no reason to report the volumes of 750 mL, 1000 mL, or 1200 mL to the healthcare provider because a minimum of 720 milliliters over a 24-hour period is desired (30 milliliters multiplied by 24 hours equals 720 milliliters per 24 hours).