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. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.
B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.
D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "It is your choice to share personal information during group therapy" is correct. The ethical principle of autonomy emphasizes respecting a client's right to make decisions about their own care, including the right to share or withhold personal information. Allowing the client to choose what to share supports their independence and decision-making ability.
B. "I will be truthful when answering questions about your treatment" promotes veracity, not autonomy. While truthfulness is important in nursing, it does not directly pertain to the principle of client autonomy.
C. "The nursing staff here will provide you with nonjudgmental care" promotes beneficence and respect for the client's dignity, but it does not directly address the principle of autonomy, which focuses on the client’s ability to make choices.
D. "I will only discuss your medical information with the health care team" supports confidentiality and privacy, not autonomy. Autonomy involves respecting a client’s decision-making, not just protecting their information.
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