A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for surgery this morning. Which of the following results will cause the nurse to place a call to the surgical team?

Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mm)

Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL (106.1 umol/L)

Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)

Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is below the normal range (typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Abnormal potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), especially if the potassium level drops further or if there is rapid fluctuation. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the surgical team to assess the client's cardiac status and determine if potassium replacement is needed before proceeding with surgery.
B.   Creatinine levels are used to assess kidney function. A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 0.6-1.2 mg/dL). While kidney function is important to evaluate before surgery, this result is not immediately concerning enough to require an urgent call to the surgical team.
C.   Hemoglobin levels are assessed to evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A hemoglobin level of 14.8 g/dL is within the normal range (typically 12-16 g/dL for women and 13-18 g/dL for men). This result indicates adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and does not require immediate communication with the surgical team.

D.   Sodium levels are important for fluid balance and nerve function. A sodium level of 134 mEq/L is within the normal range (typically 135-145 mEq/L). While sodium levels should be monitored, this result is not critically abnormal and does not necessitate an urgent call to the surgical team.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) reflects the respiratory component of acid-base balance. In metabolic acidosis, the respiratory system compensates by increasing ventilation to decrease PaCO2 (hyperventilation). Therefore, PaCO2 is typically below normal (less than 35-45 mm Hg) in metabolic acidosis, not above 45 mm Hg.
B. HCO3 (bicarbonate) is a buffer that helps regulate pH in the body. In metabolic acidosis, there is a primary decrease in HCO3 due to either increased acid production (e.g., lactic acidosis, ketoacidosis) or decreased acid elimination (e.g., renal failure). Therefore, HCO3 is typically below normal (< 22-26 mEq/L) in metabolic acidosis, not above 26 mEq/L.
C. PaO2 (partial pressure of oxygen) measures the oxygen level in the blood. It is not directly related to the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis. Low PaO2 levels may indicate respiratory dysfunction or impaired gas exchange but are not specific to metabolic acidosis.
D. pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the primary defect is a decrease in blood pH due to an excess of acids or a loss of bases. The pH typically decreases below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 in metabolic acidosis.

A. Metformin B. Carvedilol C. Atorvastatin D. Nitroglycerin

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can cause a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis, especially in situations where there is impaired kidney function or when the drug interacts with contrast dye used in procedures like cardiac catheterization.
B. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and heart failure. It does not have a significant interaction with contrast dye that would increase the risk of AKI.
C. Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It does not interact with contrast dye in a way that increases the risk of AKI.
D. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina symptoms. It does not interact with contrast dye in a way that increases the risk of AKI.

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A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for surgery this morning. Which of the following results will cause the nurse to place a call to the surgical team?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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