A nurse is caring for a client who is 8 hr postoperative following a left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following laboratory values indicates the nurse should notify the provider?
Blood glucose 98 mg/dL
BUN 18 mg/dL
Hemoglobin 8.6 g/dL
Potassium 3.5 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A: This is incorrect because blood glucose 98 mg/dL is within the normal range of 70 to 110 mg/dL. The nurse does not need to notify the provider for this value.
Choice B: This is incorrect because BUN 18 mg/dL is within the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL. The nurse does not need to notify the provider for this value.
Choice C: This is correct because hemoglobin 8.6 g/dL is below the normal range of 12 to 18 g/dL. The nurse should notify the provider for this value as it indicates anemia, which can be caused by blood loss during surgery or impaired bone marrow function.
Choice D: This is incorrect because potassium 3.5 mEq/L is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. The nurse does not need to notify the provider for this value.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L is a normal value and does not indicate heart failure.
Choice B: This is correct. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone that is released by the heart when it is stretched or overloaded. A high level of BNP indicates that the heart is working harder than normal and may have heart failure. A normal BNP level is less than 100 pg/mL, so 275 pg/mL is elevated and suggestive of heart failure.
Choice C: This is incorrect. Sodium 140 mEq/L is a normal value and does not indicate heart failure.
Choice D: This is incorrect. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL is a normal value and does not indicate heart failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. Consume a diet high in antioxidants.
Choice A: Complete breast self-examinations one week prior to menstruation.
Performing breast self-examinations one week prior to menstruation is not recommended. The best time to perform a breast self-exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. This timing helps in detecting any unusual changes more accurately.
Choice B: Expect clear discharge from the nipples.
While some nipple discharge can be normal, it is not something that should be expected as a routine part of breast health. Clear, yellow, or white discharge can occur due to hormonal changes, but any spontaneous discharge, especially if it is bloody or from one breast, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Choice C: Consume a diet high in antioxidants.
Consuming a diet high in antioxidants is beneficial for overall health and may help reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can damage cells and contribute to cancer development. Foods rich in antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
Choice D: Include meats grilled over high heat in the diet.
Including meats grilled over high heat in the diet is not advisable for someone concerned about cancer risk. Grilling meats at high temperatures can produce carcinogens such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, it is better to avoid or limit the consumption of grilled meats.
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