A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?

Complete blood count

Platelet count

Serum electrolytes

Liver enzymes

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: A complete blood count (CBC) is the most relevant laboratory value to review for a client with iron deficiency anemia who reports increased fatigue. The CBC will provide important information about the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, which are directly affected by iron deficiency. Monitoring these values will help determine if the client’s anemia is worsening or if the iron supplements are not effectively improving the blood count.

Choice B reason: The platelet count is part of a CBC but is not directly related to the symptoms of fatigue in iron deficiency anemia. While platelet levels are important for assessing clotting function, they do not provide the necessary information about red blood cell levels or hemoglobin concentration that are central to diagnosing and managing anemia.

Choice C reason: Serum electrolytes are important to monitor for overall health and hydration status, but they are not specifically related to the client’s anemia or the symptom of fatigue. Electrolyte imbalances typically do not cause fatigue related to anemia, so this is not the primary laboratory value to review in this context.

Choice D reason: Liver enzymes are important for assessing liver function and potential liver damage, but they are not directly related to iron deficiency anemia or the symptom of fatigue. While it is important to monitor liver health, especially if the client is on medications that affect the liver, the complete blood count is more relevant to the symptoms described.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Polyuria and excessive thirst are classic symptoms of diabetes insipidus and indicate the body's inability to retain water due to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). While these symptoms need to be managed, they are not immediately life-threatening compared to severe hypernatremia.

Choice B reason: A serum sodium level of 185 mEq/L (185 mmol/L) indicates severe hypernatremia, which is an immediate medical emergency. Severe hypernatremia can lead to neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and even coma due to the osmotic shift of water out of brain cells. Immediate intervention is required to correct the sodium imbalance and prevent serious complications.

Choice C reason: An apical heart rate of 110 beats per minute is indicative of tachycardia, which can be associated with dehydration and the body's response to maintain cardiac output. While it is a concern, it does not take precedence over the need to address severe hypernatremia.

Choice D reason: Dry skin with inelastic turgor is a sign of dehydration, which is a common issue in diabetes insipidus due to excessive fluid loss. While this requires attention, it is not as immediately critical as addressing severe hypernatremia, which poses a direct and urgent threat to the client's neurological and overall health.

A. Wrap the feet with warmed blankets. B. Elevate extremities on pillows. C. Assess pulses with a vascular doppler. D. Evaluate edema for pitting.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Wrapping the feet with warmed blankets may provide comfort and warmth, but it does not address the immediate concern of assessing the circulation status in the lower extremities. It is not the first action to take in this situation.

Choice B reason: Elevating the extremities on pillows can help reduce edema and improve circulation, but it should not be the first action taken. Assessing the pulses is crucial to determine the severity of the circulation issue and guide further interventions.

Choice C reason: Assessing pulses with a vascular doppler is the correct first action. Since the pedal pulses are not palpable, using a vascular doppler can help determine if there is any blood flow in the lower extremities. This assessment is essential to identify potential complications such as arterial occlusion or compromised circulation, which require immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Evaluating edema for pitting can provide information about the extent of the swelling, but it does not address the immediate concern of assessing blood flow. Assessing pulses with a vascular doppler is a more critical first step to ensure the client's circulation status is evaluated accurately.

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A client who takes daily supplemental iron tablets for iron deficiency anemia reports feeling increasingly fatigued. Which laboratory value should the nurse review?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes insipidus (DI). Which data warrants the most immediate intervention by the nurse?Reference Range: Sodium 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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