A client reports experiencing numbness and ngling in the extremies. Which of the client's serum laboratory values should the praccal nurse (PN) priorize reporng to the healthcare provider?
Hematocrit
Albumin and protein levels
Electrolytes
White blood cell count (WBC)
The Correct Answer is C
When a client reports experiencing numbness and ngling in the extremies, it is crucial for the praccal nurse (PN) to prioritise reporting the client's electrolyte levels to the healthcare provider. Electrolytes are essential minerals that help maintain the balance of fluids in the body and enable proper nerve and muscle function. Imbalances in electrolyte levels can lead to neurological symptoms, including numbness and ngling.
Opons a, b, and d are not the correct priories to report in this situation:
a) Hematocrit: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. While abnormalies in hematocrit can indicate certain conditions, such as anaemia, it is not directly associated with numbness and ngling in the extremes.
b) Albumin and protein levels: Albumin and protein levels are important for assessing nutritional status and liver function. While low levels of protein can contribute to various health issues, they are not the primary concern when a client experiences numbness and ngling in the extremities.
d) White blood cell count (WBC): WBC count is used to evaluate the immune system's response to infection or inflammation. While infections or inflammatory conditions can cause neurological symptoms, such as ngling, it is not the primary concern in this specific case of numbness and ngling.
Therefore, the most appropriate laboratory value to prioritise reporting in this scenario is the client's electrolyte levels, as imbalances can directly contribute to the reported symptoms and may require prompt intervention.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Limiting fluid intake to prevent incontinence is not the highest priority intervention for this client because it can cause dehydration, urinary tract infections, or kidney stones, which can worsen the client's condition and quality of lifE. The client should be encouraged to drink adequate fluids and empty their bladder regularly.
Choice B reason: Providing regular perineal care to prevent skin breakdown is the highest priority intervention for this client because it can prevent infection, irritation, and ulceration of the skin around the genital and anal areas, which can cause pain, discomfort, and complications. The client should be kept clean and dry, and use barrier creams or pads as needeD.
Choice C reason: Administering hypotonic IV fluids is not an intervention for this client because it can cause fluid overload, hyponatremia, or cerebral edema, which can endanger the client's health and safety. The client does not need IV fluids unless they are dehydrated or have other indications.
Choice D reason: Teaching Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor is not an intervention for this client because it can be ineffective or harmful for clients with reflex incontinence, which is caused by loss of voluntary control over bladder contractions due to spinal cord injury. The client may benefit from other interventions such as bladder training, medication, or surgery.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c) Bilateral lung sounds.
Explanation:
When admitting a client with complications of left-sided heart failure, the practical nurse (PN) should prioritize assessing the client's bilateral lung sounds. Left-sided heart failure can result in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. By auscultating the client's lung sounds, the PN can assess for the presence of crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds, which are indicative of pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation. This assessment helps to identify the severity of the client's condition and guides further interventions and treatment.
While assessing heart sounds (option a) is important in evaluating cardiac function, assessing lung sounds takes priority as pulmonary congestion is a common manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Chest pain (option b) is a significant symptom that should be assessed promptly, but in this scenario, the focus is on assessing for signs of pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Assessing the client's mood and affect (option d) is important for a comprehensive assessment, but it is not the priority when the client is admited with complications of left-sided heart failure.
The other options are considered incorrect because they are not the priority assessments when admitting a client with complications of left-sided heart failure.
Option a) Heart sounds: While assessing heart sounds is important in evaluating cardiac function, the priority in this scenario is to assess for pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Assessing bilateral lung sounds allows the practical nurse to gather immediate information about the client's respiratory status and the presence of fluid in the lungs.
Option b) Chest pain: Chest pain is a significant symptom that should be assessed promptly, as it could indicate various cardiac or respiratory conditions. However, in this specific scenario, the priority is to assess for signs of pulmonary congestion, which can have a more immediate impact on the client's respiratory function.
Option d) Mood and affect: Assessing the client's mood and affect is important for a comprehensive assessment of their emotional well-being. However, when admitting a client with complications of left- sided heart failure, the priority is to assess their physical condition, particularly the respiratory status, to address any immediate concerns related to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange.
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