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 B
Explanation
A. Contacting the client's caregiver to discuss the client's comment might be helpful in some situations, but the priority in this scenario is to assess the possibility of abuse or mistreatment, not to confront the caregiver immediately.
B. Reviewing the medical record to see if the client has reported abuse in the past is correct. The nurse should first gather relevant information to understand the context of the client's statement. If the client has a history of reporting abuse or signs of mistreatment, it may provide critical insight.
C. Reporting suspected abuse to the nurse manager could be necessary if abuse is confirmed, but it is important to first assess the situation and gather information before making such a report.
D. Restricting family members from visiting with the client is an extreme response without any evidence of abuse. The nurse should assess the situation further before taking such action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Copy of the client's advance directives: While advance directives are important documents, they are typically filed with the medical record, not specifically included in postmortem documentation. The focus for postmortem documentation is on the body and relevant events surrounding the death.
B. Cause of the client's death.: The cause of death is typically recorded in the official death certificate, which is not part of postmortem nursing documentation. The nurse should not make a diagnosis about the cause of death but may note any relevant findings.
C. Last set of the client's vital signs: Vital signs taken at the time of death may be noted as part of the clinical documentation, but they are not specifically part of postmortem documentation. The postmortem documentation should focus on observations regarding the body and its condition.
D. Location of the identification tag on the client’s body: The nurse should document the location of identification tags on the body to ensure proper identification and to prevent confusion or errors in postmortem care. This is an important detail in postmortem documentation.
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