A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a preschooler who experienced a near drowning and has hypothermia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Hyperreflexia:
Hyperreflexia is typically associated with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), not elevated levels. An elevated calcium level often results in reduced neuromuscular excitability, leading to diminished reflexes rather than heightened ones.

B) Diarrhea:
Elevated calcium levels are more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Hypercalcemia often slows gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to decreased bowel movements and constipation.

C) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching is generally a symptom of hypocalcemia rather than hypercalcemia. Elevated calcium levels tend to depress neuromuscular activity, making muscle twitching less likely.

D) Lethargy:
Lethargy is a common symptom of hypercalcemia. High calcium levels can depress the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, confusion, and lethargy. This makes lethargy a likely finding in a client with an elevated total calcium level.

A) HDL 65 mg/dL: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels of 65 mg/dL are considered protective against heart disease. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, so this result is not a concern.

B) LDL 120 mg/dL: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of 120 mg/dL are elevated for individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially with a family history of hyperlipidemia and cardiac disease. An LDL level above 100 mg/dL is a risk factor for heart disease, making this result important to report to the provider for potential intervention.

C) Cholesterol 195 mg/dL: A total cholesterol level of 195 mg/dL is slightly above the recommended level of less than 200 mg/dL but may not be immediately alarming unless the client has other risk factors. However, this value alone is not as critical as LDL levels in assessing risk.

D) Triglycerides 175 mg/dL: Triglyceride levels of 175 mg/dL are slightly elevated, as normal levels are typically less than 150 mg/dL. While elevated triglycerides are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, this level is less critical compared to elevated LDL levels in the context of the client’s family history.