The nurse is reviewing the presurgical patient's laboratory ...

[itsmyluck]

The nurse is reviewing the presurgical patient's laboratory reports and notes an elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin. The nurse understands that this patient is most at risk for which potential complication?
 
  a. Excessive bleeding during or after surgery
  b. An increased serum albumin level
  c. Postsurgical respiratory infection
  d. Delayed wound healing

Question 2

The nurse is planning skin care of the patient with ascites. Which actions should the nurse include? (select all that apply.)
 
  a. Bathe the patient in hot water.
  b. Apply emollients to decrease itching.
  c. Closely trim the patient's fingernails.
  d. Change the patient's position every 1 to 2 hours.
  e. Coach the patient in deep-breathing exer-cises.

[cuttiesgirl16]

Answer to Question 1

A
The AST and bilirubin are liver studies. Elevated levels may indicate a dysfunctional liver. The liver is directly involved with clotting factors; therefore, this patient would be at risk for exces-sive bleeding. The serum albumin level would most likely be decreased if the liver is not func-tioning properly. Postsurgical wound infection and delayed wound healing risks are not directly related to liver function.

Answer to Question 2

B, C, D
Applying emollients, cutting the fingernails short, and changing the patient's position frequently are appropriate interventions. The nurse should bathe the patient in tepid water. Deep breathing, although a good intervention in certain situations, has nothing to do with skin care.

[itsmyluck]

Thank you

[cuttiesgirl16]

No problemo