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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Urinating before and after sexual intercourse can help flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during sexual activity, and prevent them from causing an infection.
Choice B reason: Increasing milk consumption to make the urine more alkaline is not a recommended instruction, as it may increase the risk of developing kidney stones or calcium deposits in the urinary tract.
Choice C reason: Emptying the bladder at least every 4 hours is a good practice, but not sufficient to prevent urinary tract infections. The nurse should also advise the client to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to dilute the urine and flush out bacteria.
Choice D reason: Using vaginal douche once a week is not a recommended instruction, as it may alter the normal flora of the vagina and increase the risk of infection. The nurse should advise the client to avoid using any products that may irritate the genital area, such as perfumed soaps, sprays, or powders.
Choice E reason: Drinking cranberry juice daily is not a proven method to prevent urinary tract infections, although some studies suggest that it may have some benefits. The nurse should inform the client that cranberry juice may interact with some medications, such as warfarin, and that it may also increase the acidity of the urine, which can cause discomfort or burning sensation.
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