A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of an adolescent who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hgb 10 g/dL
Blood glucose 100 mg/dL
TIBC 11 mcg/dL
Potassium 3.7 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hgb 10 g/dL
Anemia (low hemoglobin levels) is a common finding in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to inadequate nutrition, leading to a decreased production of red blood cells. Hemoglobin levels below the normal range are often seen in people with severe malnutrition, such as those with anorexia nervosa.
B. Blood glucose 100 mg/dL:
A blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range. Anorexia nervosa typically does not cause specific changes in blood glucose levels.
C. TIBC 11 mcg/dL:
Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC) is a test that measures the blood's capacity to bind to iron. The given value of 11 mcg/dL is unusually low and might not be within the typical reference range. However, the significance of this value is not clear without the specific reference range for the laboratory performing the test.
D. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L:
A potassium level of 3.7 mEq/L is within the normal range. Electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels (hypokalemia), can occur in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to inadequate intake and purging behaviors. While this level is within the normal range, individuals with anorexia nervosa may still exhibit electrolyte imbalances that require monitoring and management.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to consume a low-sodium diet to decrease hand tremors:
While maintaining a stable sodium intake is important for individuals taking lithium to avoid fluctuations in lithium levels, a low-sodium diet is not specifically indicated to address hand tremors caused by lithium. Adjusting sodium levels is more about maintaining a consistent intake to stabilize lithium levels over time.
B. Teach the client to take the lithium in a single daily dose:
Lithium is often prescribed in divided doses to maintain stable blood levels throughout the day and minimize side effects. However, the dosing regimen (once or multiple times a day) is usually determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual's needs. Changing the dosing frequency is not the primary intervention for managing hand tremors.
C. Contact the provider for a possible decrease in the lithium dosage:
Hand tremors are a common side effect of lithium. If a client is experiencing bothersome side effects within the therapeutic range, the appropriate action is to contact the healthcare provider. The provider can assess the situation, possibly adjust the dosage, or explore other management options to alleviate the tremors while maintaining the therapeutic effect of the medication.
D. Encourage the client to take naproxen sodium to decrease tremors:
Encouraging the client to take naproxen sodium or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is not recommended when the client is on lithium therapy. NSAIDs can interact with lithium, potentially leading to increased lithium levels and toxicity. Combining these medications should be avoided.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Denial:
Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person refuses to accept reality or acknowledge the existence of something that is evident to others. For example, a person diagnosed with a serious illness might deny that they are ill or refuse to believe the diagnosis. In this scenario, the client is not denying a reality; he is expressing anger and directing it toward the nurse.
B. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual overachieves in one area to compensate for real or imagined deficiencies in another area. For instance, someone who feels intellectually inferior might excel in sports to compensate for their perceived inadequacy. This is not applicable to the client's situation in the scenario provided.
C. Rationalization:
Rationalization involves providing logical or reasonable explanations to justify behaviors or feelings that might otherwise be unacceptable. For instance, a person might rationalize a failure by blaming external factors rather than accepting personal responsibility. In the scenario, the client is not offering rationalizations but is expressing direct anger.
D. Displacement:
Displacement occurs when emotions, especially anger or frustration, are redirected from the original source to a less threatening target. For example, a person who is angry with their boss might come home and take out their frustration on their family members. In the given situation, the client is displacing his anger from his partner onto the nurse, asking her to leave, making displacement the most appropriate choice.
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