If a client scheduled for general anesthesia has a serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L, what should the nurse do first?

In the situation where a client has a serum potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L, which is considered elevated (hyperkalemia), it is crucial to prioritize patient safety before proceeding with any surgical intervention. Elevated potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias, especially during general anesthesia.

Notifying the anesthesiologist is the proper first action because the anesthesiologist needs to assess the risk of anesthesia based on the elevated potassium level. The anesthesiologist may require additional information, might recommend specific interventions, or may need to delay the surgery to manage the client’s potassium level safely. This step ensures that the anesthesia plan takes into account the potential complications associated with hyperkalemia, allowing for a safer approach to the surgical procedure.

Other actions, such as preparing the client for surgery, documenting the findings, or administering medication to lower potassium, cannot be appropriately done until the anesthesiologist has been informed and has provided guidance on how to proceed. Ensuring clear communication and collaboration with the anesthesiology team is essential in maintaining patient safety during the perioperative process.