The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist for an adult client

The nurse is completing the preoperative checklist for an adult client who is scheduled for an op-erative procedure later in the morning.

Which of the following preoperative assessment findings for this client indicates a need to con-tact the anesthesiologist?
1. Temperature is 100° F.
2. Pulse is 90 beats per minute.
3. Respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
4. Blood pressure is 130/74 mm Hg.

ANSWER

ANS: 1
An elevated temperature before surgery is a cause for concern. If the client has an underlying in-fection, the surgeon may choose to postpone surgery until the infection has been treated. An ele-vated body temperature increases the risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalance after surgery. Anxi-ety and fear commonly cause elevations in heart rate and blood pressure. A pulse rate of 90 beats per minute is not a concern. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is normal for an adult. A blood pressure of 130/74 mm Hg is not excessively elevated.