A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of an 8-year-old child who has nephrotic syndrome. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider?
Sodium 140 mEq/L
Platelet count 350,000/mm3
Protein 2 g/dL
Cholesterol 170 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range for children, which is 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium levels may be low in nephrotic syndrome due to fluid retention and dilutional hyponatremia, but this is not the case for this child.
Choice B rationale:
The platelet count of 350,000/mm3 is within the normal range for children, which is 150,000 to 450,000/mm3. Platelet levels may be elevated in nephrotic syndrome due to increased production by the bone marrow in response to inflammation and infection, but this is not the case for this child.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should report the protein level of 2 g/dL to the provider, as this is abnormally low and indicates severe proteinuria. Proteinuria is a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome, as the glomeruli become damaged and allow protein to leak into the urine. Normal protein levels for children are 6 to 8 g/dL. Low protein levels can lead to edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia.
Choice D rationale:
The cholesterol level of 170 mg/dL is within the normal range for children, which is less than 200 mg/dL. Cholesterol levels may be high in nephrotic syndrome due to increased synthesis by the liver as a compensatory mechanism for low protein levels, but this is not the case for this child.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Phenytoin should be administered slowly to avoid adverse effects. Infusing 800 mg over 5 minutes is too rapid and can lead to cardiovascular complications.
Choice B rationale:
Rationale: After administering phenytoin via IV, it's important to flush the IV line with normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) to ensure the medication is fully delivered to the client and to prevent any residual medication from precipitating in the IV line.
Choice C rationale:
Flushing with heparin is not standard practice for administering phenytoin.
Choice D rationale:
Phenytoin should be administered in normal saline, not in D5W (dextrose 5% in water), to avoid precipitation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Radiation therapy is not typically the primary method of treatment for melanoma. Surgical excision and other therapies are often utilized.
Choice B rationale:
Metastasis in melanoma generally occurs from the outer layers of the skin to deeper levels and eventually to other parts of the body.
Choice C rationale:
Specific genetic mutations, such as mutations in the BRAF gene, are associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Choice D rationale: Melanoma is a highly metastatic form of skin cancer that can spread quickly to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improve outcomes.
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