A nurse in the perioperative unit is assessing the patient’s laboratory values before surgery. Which laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: A platelet level of 95,000 mm3 indicates thrombocytopenia, increasing bleeding risk during surgery. Low platelets impair clot formation, leading to potential hemorrhage. Reporting this ensures preoperative correction (e.g., platelet transfusion), as normal levels (150,000–450,000 mm3) are critical for hemostasis in surgical settings. Choice B reason: A potassium level of 1.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, risking arrhythmias and muscle weakness during surgery. Potassium is vital for cardiac and neuromuscular function, and low levels disrupt membrane potentials, requiring urgent correction to prevent intraoperative complications like ventricular arrhythmias or respiratory failure. Choice C reason: A sodium level of 145 mEq/L is at the upper limit of normal (135–145 mEq/L) and does not typically warrant reporting unless symptomatic. Sodium imbalances affect fluid balance, but this value is not critical for surgery, unlike low platelets or potassium, which pose immediate risks. Choice D reason: A blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, increasing infection risk and impairing wound healing post-surgery. Elevated glucose disrupts immune function and tissue repair, requiring preoperative management (e.g., insulin) to optimize surgical outcomes, making this a critical value to report.