The nurse is working in a postoperative care unit in an ambulatory sur

The nurse is working in a postoperative care unit in an ambulatory surgery center. Of the follow-ing clients that have come to have surgery, the client at the greatest risk during surgery is a:

1. 78-year-old taking an analgesic agent
2. 43-year-old taking an antihypertensive agent
3. 27-year-old taking an anticoagulant agent
4. 10-year-old taking an antibiotic agent

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Anticoagulants alter normal clotting factors and thus increase the risk for hemorrhaging during surgery. Aminoglycosides (a type of antibiotic) may cause mild respiratory depression from de-pressed neuromuscular transmission; however, the client who has been taking anticoagulants is at greater risk during surgery.