A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Chest x-ray showing cardiomegaly
PaCO2 55 mmHg
Potassium level 4.5 mEq/L
Urinary output of 1,000 mL in 12 hr
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Chest x-ray showing cardiomegaly is not a new finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates enlargement of the heart due to increased workload and pressure on the cardiac chambers.
Choice B reason: PaCO2 55 mmHg is an abnormal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates respiratory acidosis, which is a condition where the lungs cannot eliminate enough carbon dioxide and the blood becomes too acidic. This can be caused by pulmonary edema, which is a complication of heart failure that impairs gas exchange and ventilation.
Choice C reason: Potassium level 4.5 mEq/L is a normal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates adequate electrolyte balance and renal function.
Choice D reason: Urinary output of 1,000 mL in 12 hr is a normal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates adequate fluid status and cardiac output.
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: BUN or blood urea nitrogen 30 mg/dL is above the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and indicates renal impairment or dehydration, which can be caused by contrast dye used during coronary angiography or blood loss during or after the procedure. The nurse should report this value to the provider and monitor the client for signs of acute kidney injury, such as oliguria, edema, or electrolyte imbalances.
Choice B reason: Sinus rhythm 95/min on a cardiac monitor is within the normal range of 60 to 100/min and does not indicate any cardiac arrhythmia or ischemia.
Choice C reason: Respiratory rate 12/min is within the normal range of 12 to 20/min and does not indicate any respiratory distress or hypoxia.
Choice D reason: PTT or partial thromboplastin time 25 seconds is within the normal range of 25 to 35 seconds and does not indicate any bleeding disorder or anticoagulant therapy.
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