Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for four clients. Which of the following results is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

WBC 11,000/mm² in a client who is starting treatment for a methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.

Serum pH 7.25 in a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Hematocrit 26% in a client who has sickle cell disease.

Urine specific gravity 1.032 in a client who is diagnosed with dehydration.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:
An elevated WBC count (11,000/mm²) in a client starting treatment for MRSA infection may indicate an inflammatory response, but it is expected in this scenario, and the priority is not as high as other critical lab values.
Choice B rationale:
A serum pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication that can lead to metabolic acidosis. This lab result is a priority as it requires immediate attention.
Choice C rationale:
Hematocrit of 26% in a client with sickle cell disease might be low, but it is not the priority over the critically abnormal lab value of serum pH in option B.
Choice D rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.032 in a client diagnosed with dehydration is elevated, indicating concentrated urine due to dehydration. While dehydration is concerning, it is not as high-priority as the potentially life-threatening acidosis in option B.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:
A PaO2 value of 86 mm Hg is within the normal range (80-100 mm Hg) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. PaO2 measures the partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood.
Choice B rationale:
A pH of 7.4 is within the normal range (7.35-7.45) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. The pH reflects the acidity or alkalinity of the blood.
Choice C rationale:
An HCO3 (bicarbonate) level of 16 mEq/L is within the normal range (22-28 mEq/L) and does not indicate respiratory acidosis. HCO3 is a measure of the metabolic component of the body's acid-base balance.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. A PaCO2 value of 58 mm Hg is elevated and indicates respiratory acidosis. PaCO2 measures the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, and an elevated value suggests the presence of excess carbon dioxide, leading to acidosis.

A. "When taking leflunomide, expect decreased swelling within 1 week.". B. "If acute inflammation is present, apply hot packs directly to the joint for pain relief.". C. "Take calcium and vitamin D supplements along with your steroid medication.". D. "Make sure your varicella vaccine is up to date.".

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) used for rheumatoid arthritis, but it does not typically result in decreased swelling within one week. It usually takes several weeks or even months for its full effect to be observed.

Choice B rationale:

Applying hot packs directly to the joint for pain relief is not recommended for rheumatoid arthritis, as heat can exacerbate inflammation. Cold packs or other anti-inflammatory measures are more appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

Steroid medications, such as prednisone, can lead to bone density loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements helps to mitigate this risk.

Choice D rationale:

The Varicella vaccine is not directly related to rheumatoid arthritis. It is important for immune support, but it is not specifically required for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for four clients. Which of the following results is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the ABGs of a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should identify which of the following findings is an indication of respiratory acidosis.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is teaching an adult client who has been recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is instructing a client who has cancer about precautions to take while undergoing chemotherapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is teaching a client who has schizophrenia a new prescription for lurasidone. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?(Select all that apply.).

A nurse is caring for a client who had moderate sedation during a procedure. The client's airway is obstructing, and they have an oxygen saturation of 90%. Which of the following interventions is the first action the nurse should take?

A nurse is assessing a client for manifestations of mild Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect as an early indication of the disease?

A nurse is teaching an adolescent client who has asthma about medications to treat an acute asthma attack. Which of the following medications should the nurse include in the instructions?

A nurse is assessing a group of clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse make a referral to palliative care?

A nurse is providing information about maintaining a special diet with a client who has irritable bowel syndrome. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total left hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?