A nurse is caring for an adult client in the preoperative holding area. For each preoperative assessment finding, click to specify if the assessment finding places the client at risk for hypoxemia, bleeding, or a DVT in the intra-op or post-op phases.

1. Platelet Count Risk for Bleeding: Platelets are essential for clot formation. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) increases intra-op and post-op bleeding risk. Not hypoxemia/DVT: Platelets don’t affect oxygen transport or venous clot risk directly. 2. Hemoglobin Risk for Hypoxemia: Hemoglobin carries oxygen. Low hemoglobin (anemia) reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, increasing hypoxemia risk during surgery. Not bleeding/DVT: Hemoglobin level itself doesn’t cause bleeding or clot formation. 3. INR Risk for Bleeding: INR measures clotting tendency. Elevated INR (from warfarin therapy) means blood is anticoagulated, raising bleeding risk intra-op/post-op. Not hypoxemia/DVT: INR doesn’t affect oxygenation or clot formation risk in the venous system. 4. Atrial Fibrillation Risk for Hypoxemia: AF reduces cardiac efficiency, impairing oxygen delivery to tissues. Risk for DVT: AF predisposes to thrombus formation due to stasis in atria, increasing risk for emboli/DVT. Not bleeding: AF itself doesn’t cause bleeding, though anticoagulation therapy does. 5. Red Blood Cell Count Risk for Hypoxemia: RBCs transport oxygen. Low RBC count (anemia) reduces oxygen delivery, increasing hypoxemia risk. Not bleeding/DVT: RBC count doesn’t directly affect clotting or venous thrombosis risk. ✅ Summary: Bleeding risks: Platelet count, INR Hypoxemia risks: Hemoglobin, RBC count, atrial fibrillation DVT risk: Atrial fibrillation