A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is dehydrated. Which of the following BUN lab values should the nurse report to the provider?
10 mg/dL.
18 mg/dL.
13 mg/dL.
25 mg/dL.
The Correct Answer is D
25 mg/dL.
Choice A rationale:
A BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level of 10 mg/dL is within the normal range, indicating normal kidney function. There is no indication to report this value to the provider for a dehydrated client.
Choice B rationale:
A BUN level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range as well. This value does not suggest significant dehydration, so it is not necessary to report it to the provider in this context.
Choice C rationale:
A BUN level of 13 mg/dL is also within the normal range, and similar to choices A and B, it does not indicate severe dehydration that requires immediate reporting to the provider.
Choice D rationale:
A BUN level of 25 mg/dL is elevated, which may indicate dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or other issues affecting fluid balance. Since the client is dehydrated, this elevated value needs to be reported to the provider for further evaluation and appropriate intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
PacO2 50 mm Hg. Choice A rationale:
Potassium levels are not directly related to respiratory acidosis. Potassium levels may be affected in certain conditions, but they are not specific indicators of respiratory acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
HCO3- (bicarbonate) levels may be elevated in metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the primary abnormality is an increased PacO2, not HCO3-.
Choice C rationale:
The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PacO2) is a key parameter in diagnosing respiratory acidosis. In this case, a PacO2 of 50 mm Hg suggests hypoventilation and an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, contributing to acidosis.
Choice D rationale:
The pH level given (pH 7.45) is within the normal range, which contradicts the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be expected to be below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 due to increased carbon dioxide levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Metabolic alkalosis.
Choice A rationale:
The given blood gas results show a pH of 7.53, which is alkaline (above the normal range of
7.35 to 7.45), and a high bicarbonate level of 36 mEq/L (normal range is 22 to 26 mEq/L). This combination indicates metabolic alkalosis, a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of bicarbonate in the blood, leading to increased pH.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by increased blood bicarbonate levels, which can occur due to conditions like vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive ingestion of bicarbonate-containing substances. It results in symptoms such as muscle twitching, tetany, and respiratory depression.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated blood pH and low carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia). However, the bicarbonate level is not directly related to respiratory alkalosis, making this choice incorrect based on the given information.
Choice D rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased blood pH and low bicarbonate levels. The presented blood gas results show an alkaline pH and high bicarbonate, making this choice incorrect.
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