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?

Bathing a bedfast client with the bed in a high position poses a potential risk to the client's safety. Lowering the bed to a safe height is important to prevent falls and injuries during the bathing procedure. The PN should promptly intervene and instruct the UAP to lower the bed to an appropriate level before continuing with the bathing process.
A. While remaining in the room to supervise the UAP is important, it should be done after ensuring the client's safety by lowering the bed. If the bed is not lowered, the risk of injury remains, and the PN should take immediate action to address the safety concern.
C. Determining if the UAP would like assistance is a valid consideration, but it should be secondary to addressing the safety issue of the bed height. Once the bed is lowered, the PN can assess if additional assistance is required and provide support accordingly.
D. Assuming care of the client immediately may be necessary if the client is in immediate danger or experiencing an urgent medical situation. However, in this case, the primary concern is addressing the safety issue related to the bed height, and the PN can address this by instructing the UAP to lower the bed.

The finding that is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse is the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 75 mg/dL or 12.9 mmol/L. This result indicates an elevated BUN level, which can be indicative of impaired kidney function. In a client receiving chemotherapy, an elevated BUN level may suggest chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity or other kidney-related complications. Prompt reporting is crucial to ensure appropriate intervention and management of the client's kidney function.
B. While the platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 109/L is slightly below the normal reference range, it does not pose an immediate life-threatening risk. However, it should still be monitored and reported to the healthcare team for ongoing assessment and evaluation.
C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes may be an expected side effect of certain chemotherapy medications or a manifestation of neurotoxicity. While this finding should be documented and monitored, it is not as urgent as the elevated BUN level.
D. Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, but they may also be indicative of other underlying issues such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or gastrointestinal complications. While this finding should be addressed and managed, it is not the highest priority compared to the elevated BUN level.