A client reports experiencing numbness and tingling in the extremities. Which of the client's serum laboratory values should the practical nurse (PN) prioritize reporting 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 tingling in the extremities, it is crucial for the practical nurse (PN) to prioritize 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 tingling.
Options a, b, and d are not the correct priorities to report in this situation:
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. C-reactive protein level:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation but does not specifically identify the causative organism of an infection. While elevated CRP can suggest infection or inflammation, it doesn't provide the necessary information for treatment.
B. Serum blood glucose (BG) level:
Serum blood glucose levels are important to monitor in diabetic patients because high glucose levels can impair healing and increase the risk of infection. However, it does not directly help identify the causative organism in this situation.
C. Serum albumin:
Serum albumin reflects nutritional status and can indicate malnutrition or poor wound healing. While it may be relevant for healing, it is not the most immediate test to evaluate for infection.
D. Culture for sensitive organisms:
Given the red, swollen wound with drainage and foul odor, a wound culture is the most appropriate first step to identify the specific infectious organism. This will guide the healthcare provider in selecting the most appropriate antibiotic treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco or snuff, still contains harmful substances, including nicotine and various chemicals. It is associated with several health risks, including an increased risk of oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers, as well as gum disease, tooth loss, and nicotine addiction.
Incorrect:
A. By providing this information, the nurse can help the client make an informed decision about their smoking cessation plan. It is crucial to emphasize that quitting tobacco altogether is the best approach to reduce the risk of cancer and improve overall health.
C. The nurse should not encourage the client to continue with the plan to switch to smokeless tobacco as a means of reducing the risk for cancer. Instead, the focus should be on supporting the client's efforts to quit tobacco entirely and providing appropriate resources and interventions to facilitate smoking cessation.
D. Addressing the concern about weight gain when quitting smoking is also important, but it should be done in the context of promoting healthy lifestyle changes and offering strategies to manage weight during the smoking cessation process.
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