A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a newly admitted school-age child who has a fever. The nurse should identify which of the following laboratory results is an indication of an infection and should be reported to the charge nurse immediately.
Urine osmolality 500 mOsm/kg.
WBC 17,500/mm3.
BUN 12 mg/dL.
Urine specific gravity 1.014.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Urine osmolality 500 mOsm/kg. Urine osmolality is a measure of urine concentration and is not a reliable indicator of infection. It reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and can vary based on hydration status and other factors. An elevated urine osmolality could suggest dehydration, not necessarily infection.
Choice B rationale:
WBC 17,500/mm3. This is the correct choice. An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a hallmark sign of infection. The body's immune response to an infection often includes an increase in WBC count, particularly the neutrophil count. This elevation is known as leukocytosis and is a red flag for infection.
Choice C rationale:
BUN 12 mg/dL. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) measures kidney function and hydration status. While an elevated BUN can indicate dehydration, it is not a specific marker for infection. BUN levels can be influenced by various factors, including diet and renal function.
Choice D rationale:
Urine specific gravity 1.014. Urine-specific gravity reflects the concentration of solutes in urine and the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine. While changes in urine specific gravity can indicate dehydration or overhydration, it is not a direct indicator of infection. An infection is better detected through changes in WBC count and other clinical signs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging active range of motion of the extremity is not recommended during the first 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Early movement can potentially worsen the swelling and delay the healing process.
Choice B rationale:
Applying warm compresses to the extremity is not the best choice to minimize swelling in the initial 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Heat can actually increase blood flow and promote more swelling in the injured area.
Choice C rationale:
Elevating the extremity above the level of the heart is the correct choice for minimizing swelling in the first 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Elevating the injured area helps to reduce blood flow to the area, which in turn decreases swelling and promotes healing.
Choice D rationale:
Wrapping the extremity loosely with an elastic bandage might be beneficial for providing support, but it's not the primary intervention for minimizing swelling in the first 12 to 24 hours after a sprained wrist. Elevation is more effective for reducing swelling during this initial period.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The correct answer is choice A. This action is crucial to ensure accurate capillary blood glucose testing. Allowing the skin antiseptic to dry before puncturing the child's finger helps prevent contamination of the blood sample, which can lead to inaccurate results. Wet antiseptic can dilute the blood sample and affect the glucose reading.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect because placing a cool washcloth on the child's finger is not standard practice before capillary blood glucose testing. While warmth can help increase blood flow and make the puncture process more comfortable, using a cool washcloth is not recommended, as it may constrict blood vessels and make it harder to obtain a sufficient blood sample.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is incorrect because testing the first drop of blood obtained after puncturing the child's finger is not recommended. The first drop of blood can be diluted with interstitial fluid and may not provide an accurate glucose reading. It's important to wipe away the first drop and use the subsequent drop of blood for testing.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is incorrect because puncturing the center of the pad of the child's index finger is not the recommended site for capillary blood glucose testing. The sides of the fingertip contain an adequate blood supply and are less painful for the child. Puncturing the center of the fingertip can be more painful and may not yield a sufficient blood sample.
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