Case Study:

Ms. L., 62 years of age, is scheduled for elective surgery. She is a retired accountant and lives alone with her poodle in a two storey home. Her husband passed away two years ago. She has three supportive children that live within an hour drive. She is independent with her ADL’s, plays bridge once a week and meets monthly with her book club. During the admission history she expressed “I am a bit anxious because I have never had surgery”. She also shared “a relative of mine had malignant hyperthermia with his surgery, but thank goodness everything worked out ok”. Her health history includes mild osteoarthritis with associated pain and as well she reports “occasional constipation”. Ms. L states she sees her family physician once a year because, “I am very healthy and my blood pressure is good for my age”. She has an allergy to penicillin, takes Aspirin and a stool softener when needed. She occasionally takes herbs and supplements when, “I am not feeling well”. Ms. L reports she is a non-smoker and a “social drinker”. She wears upper and lower dentures, glasses, and is on a regular diet. Admission vital signs: T-37, P-90, R-18, BP- 154/ 92.

Questions:

1. Describe the preoperative laboratory and diagnostics tests routinely ordered for surgery and explain why this information is valuable.

2. Describe the preoperative laboratory and diagnostics tests routinely ordered for surgery and explain why this information is valuable