A nurse on a medical unit is reviewing the laboratory reports for a client. Which of the following laboratory values is the priority to report to the provider?
Potassium level 3 mEq/L.
BUN 9.5 mg/dl
Creatinine 0.4 mg/dl
Sodium 135 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is A
A) Potassium level 3 mEq/L:
A potassium level of 3 mEq/L is below the normal range (which is typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and represents hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for normal muscle and nerve function, including cardiac function. Low potassium levels can lead to dangerous arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and cardiac arrest if not addressed promptly. This is the priority value because hypokalemia can be life-threatening and requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider to correct the imbalance.
B) BUN 9.5 mg/dl:
A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 9.5 mg/dL is within the normal reference range for most adults (typically 7-20 mg/dL). While an abnormal BUN level could indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration, this value is not immediately concerning and does not represent a critical finding that requires urgent attention.
C) Creatinine 0.4 mg/dl:
A creatinine level of 0.4 mg/dL is below the normal range (usually around 0.6-1.2 mg/dL), which might indicate low muscle mass or a transient decrease in kidney function. However, a low creatinine level is generally not as urgent or concerning as an elevated level, and it does not typically require immediate intervention
D) Sodium 135 mEq/L:
A sodium level of 135 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range (135-145 mEq/L), indicating mild hyponatremia. Although this can be concerning if the drop is acute or symptomatic (e.g., causing confusion, seizures, or lethargy), a mild decrease in sodium is not immediately life-threatening unless it worsens rapidly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) They bend at the ho when lifting:
This statement seems to be a typographical error, but it likely refers to "bending at the hips" when lifting. While bending at the hips can help reduce strain on the back, it is not the ideal body mechanic for lifting heavy objects. Proper lifting techniques involve bending at the knees, not the hips, to maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of injury to the lower back. The correct form would be to squat down using the legs and keeping the back straight.
B) They keep their feet together when lifting an object:
Keeping the feet together when lifting an object is not advisable. The nurse should keep their feet shoulder-width apart for stability when lifting heavy objects. This wide stance provides a stable base and helps prevent loss of balance or strain during the lift. Keeping feet together would increase the risk of losing balance and possibly causing injury.
C) They stand close to the object being moved:
Standing close to the object being moved is the correct body mechanic. When lifting, the nurse should position themselves close to the object to minimize the leverage needed to lift it. By maintaining a short distance from the object, the nurse can use their legs to lift rather than relying on their back, which helps reduce the risk of back strain or injury.
D) They twist their spine when lifting:
Twisting the spine when lifting is a dangerous action that increases the risk of back injury. Proper body mechanics require that the nurse keep the back straight and avoid twisting the spine during the lift. Instead, they should rotate their whole body, moving their feet to turn, rather than twisting the spine. Twisting puts unnecessary stress on the spinal discs and can lead to muscle strain or injury.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Memory loss:
Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic commonly prescribed for insomnia, can cause memory problems, including short-term memory loss. This is a known adverse effect of zolpidem, especially when taken in higher doses or when a person is not able to get a full night’s sleep after taking the medication. This side effect can manifest as amnesia or difficulty recalling events that occurred while under the influence of the medication.
B) Dry mouth:
While dry mouth is a common side effect of many medications, including some antihistamines and antidepressants, it is not a typical or major adverse effect associated with zolpidem. Though less common, it may occur in some individuals, but it is not considered a primary or significant adverse effect of this drug.
C) Hypertension:
Zolpidem does not typically cause hypertension. In fact, it is more likely to cause a calming effect that may lead to a decrease in blood pressure, particularly in individuals who experience sedation. It is important for the nurse to monitor for any unusual changes in vital signs, but hypertension is not a known adverse effect of zolpidem.
D) Urinary retention:
Urinary retention is more commonly associated with medications that affect the autonomic nervous system, such as antihistamines, anticholinergics, or certain opioids. Zolpidem is not typically associated with urinary retention. While any sedative could potentially cause mild disruptions in normal bladder function due to its sedative properties, urinary retention is not a frequent or well-known side effect of zolpidem.
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