Following bowel surgery 2 days ago, a patient has been receiving normal saline intravenously at 100 ml/hr, has a nasogastric tube to low, intermittent suction, and is NPO. An assessment finding that indicates a need to contact the health care provider immediately is a

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The patient's history and change in LOC could be indicative of several fluid and electrolyte disturbances: extracellular fluid (ECF) excess, ECF deficit, hyponatremia, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, or metabolic alkalosis. Further diagnostic information will be ordered by the health care provider to determine the cause of the change in LOC and the appropriate interventions. A weight gain of 2 pounds (<1 kg) since surgery would not be clinically significant unless associated with other symptoms. The oral temperature elevation and crackles would initially be addressed by having the patient cough and deep breathe. The sodium level is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L.

Following Bowel Surgery 2 Days Ago, a Patient Has Been