A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who is 1 day postoperative following an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
WBC count 10,000/mm³
BUN 20 mg/dL
Creatinine 2.3 mg/dL
Hematocrit 41%
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: WBC count 10,000/mm³ is within the normal range of 4,500 to 11,000/mm³ and does not indicate any infection or inflammation.
Choice B reason: BUN 20 mg/dL is within the normal range of 10 to 20 mg/dL and does not indicate any renal impairment or dehydration.
Choice C reason: Creatinine 2.3 mg/dL is above the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL and indicates renal dysfunction or damage, which can be caused by blood loss, hypotension, or nephrotoxic drugs during surgery. 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 D reason: Hematocrit 41% is within the normal range of 37% to 47% for females and does not indicate any anemia or polycythemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect. The nurse should don clean gloves before removing the dressing, and then change to sterile gloves before applying the new dressing.
Choice B: This is correct. The nurse should offer the client pain medication before the procedure, as changing a dressing for a stage III pressure ulcer can be very painful.
Choice C: This is incorrect. The nurse should prepare the sterile dressing supplies just before the dressing change, not 30 min before, to prevent contamination.
Choice D: This is incorrect. The nurse should not disinfect the wound bed with alcohol, as this can damage the healthy tissue and delay healing. The nurse should use a saline solution or an antiseptic solution as prescribed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: This is correct. Dehydration can cause electrolyte imbalance and affect the brain function, leading to confusion, dizziness, or lethargy.
Choice B: This is incorrect. Cool, clammy skin is a sign of shock, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause dry, warm skin.
Choice C: This is incorrect. Decrease in pulse rate is a sign of bradycardia, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause increase in pulse rate as the body tries to compensate for the low blood volume.
Choice D: This is incorrect. Increase in blood pressure is a sign of hypertension, not dehydration. Dehydration can cause decrease in blood pressure as the blood volume drops.
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