A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following laboratory results indicates a possible complication of this therapy?
Serum calcium 12.5 mg/dL
BUN 16 mg/dL
Serum potassium 4.6 mEq/L
WBC count 8,000/mm³
The Correct Answer is A
A nurse caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition should identify that a serum calcium level of 12.5 mg/dL indicates a possible complication of this therapy. Total parenteral nutrition can result in electrolyte imbalances, including hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood).
The other laboratory results are within normal ranges and do not indicate a complication of total parenteral nutrition.
b) A BUN level of 16 mg/dL is within the normal range.
c) A serum potassium level of 4.6 mEq/L is within the normal range.
d) A WBC count of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range.
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
After the nurse administers a PRN pain medication to a client, the nurse can assign the assistive personnel (AP) to document the client's respiratory rate in 1 hour. This is within the scope of practice of an AP.
The other tasks are not appropriate for an AP to perform.
Monitoring the client for an allergic reactionand evaluating the client for therapeutic effects are both nursing assessments that should be performed by the nurse.
Checking the client's response to the medication is also a nursing assessment that should be performed by the nurse.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 8.8 mg/dL indicates anemia, which is a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Fatigue and tiredness are common symptoms of anemia. When the body does not have enough hemoglobin to transport oxygen effectively, it can lead to feelings of fatigue and a lack of energy.
The other options are not directly associated with a low hemoglobin level:
b) "I have noticed that my fingernails are becoming thicker." Thicker fingernails are not typically associated with a low hemoglobin level. Changes in fingernails can be atributed to various factors, but they are not directly related to anemia.
c) "I have to go to the bathroom all the time." Frequent urination is not typically associated with a low hemoglobin level. It can be related to other factors such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, or diuretic use, among others.
d) "I notice that my hands are always shaky." Hand tremors are not directly associated with a low hemoglobin level. Tremors can have various causes, such as neurological conditions, medication side effects, or excessive caffeine intake, but they are not directly linked to anemia.
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