A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
WBC 13,000/mm3
Potassium 3.7 mEq/L
Hgb 20 g/dL
Iron 150 mcg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
A. WBC 13,000/mm3 is slightly elevated and might indicate an infection, but it is not critically high in the context of COPD. The nurse should still monitor the client for signs of infection but is unlikely to require immediate intervention.
B. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not require reporting.
C. Hgb 20 g/dL is elevated and should be reported. High hemoglobin levels can indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or other conditions related to chronic hypoxia, which is common in COPD. This value is above the normal range (12–18 g/dL for adults) and requires further evaluation.
D. Iron 150 mcg/dL is within the normal range (50–170 mcg/dL for adults) and does not require reporting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Decreased body temperature is incorrect. A thyroid storm is characterized by a hypermetabolic state, so a decreased body temperature would be inconsistent with the condition. In fact, patients with thyroid storm typically have increased body temperature (fever).
B. Increased incisional drainage is incorrect. While increased drainage could indicate a wound infection or other surgical complications, it is not a primary indicator of thyroid storm, which involves a hyperactive thyroid response.
C. Hypertension is correct. Thyroid storm is a severe, acute exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, and it is associated with hypertension, tachycardia, fever, and other symptoms of sympathetic nervous system overactivity.
D. Bradycardia is incorrect. Bradycardia would be expected in conditions like hypothyroidism, not thyroid storm. Thyroid storm typically presents with tachycardia, which is a hallmark sign.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Instructing the client to hold the drainage bag at waist height when ambulating is incorrect. The drainage bag should always be kept below the level of the bladder to prevent urine backflow, which can lead to infections (catheter-associated urinary tract infections - CAUTIs).
B. Coiling the tubing on the bed above the collection bag is incorrect. Tubing should be secured below bladder level without kinks or loops to allow for continuous urine drainage and prevent urinary stasis and infection.
C. Collecting a sterile specimen from the urinary drainage bag is incorrect. Urine in the drainage bag is not sterile and may contain bacteria, leading to inaccurate results. A specimen should be collected from the designated port on the catheter tubing using aseptic technique.
D. Securing the tubing with adhesive tape to the lower abdomen is correct. For male clients, securing the catheter to the lower abdomen prevents urethral trauma and tension. For female clients, the catheter is typically secured to the inner thigh to minimize movement and irritation.
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