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 D
Explanation
A) "Break needles on syringes before disposal":
Breaking needles before disposal is not a safe practice because it increases the risk of injury to staff during disposal. Needles should be disposed of intact in designated sharps containers to prevent injury. Tampering with used needles or syringes could expose staff to bloodborne pathogens.
B) "Use two hands to recap a needle after administering a medication":
The use of two hands to recap a needle is a high-risk behavior and should be avoided. The proper procedure is to never recap a needle after use. If recapping is absolutely necessary, a one-handed technique using the cap or a mechanical device should be employed to reduce the risk of needlestick injuries. The best practice is to dispose of the needle immediately in a sharps container.
C) "Dispose of used razors in wastebaskets":
Used razors should never be disposed of in wastebaskets, as this poses a significant risk of injury to waste management personnel. Razors, like needles and other sharp objects, should be placed in a designated sharps container. These containers are puncture-resistant and provide a safe environment for the disposal of used sharp items.
D) "Replace sharps containers when they are 3/4 full":
Sharps containers should be replaced when they are 3/4 full to prevent overfilling, which increases the risk of needlestick injuries. Overfilled containers can also make it difficult to dispose of new sharps safely. It is essential to follow institutional guidelines for the proper disposal of sharps and ensure that containers are replaced in a timely manner to maintain a safe environment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Trough:
The trough level refers to the lowest serum concentration of a medication in the bloodstream, typically measured just before the next dose is administered. This point is crucial for ensuring that drug levels remain within the therapeutic range and for avoiding toxicity. Monitoring the trough level helps healthcare providers determine whether the medication is being cleared appropriately from the system and whether dosage adjustments are needed.
B) Peak:
The peak level is the highest concentration of the medication in the bloodstream, typically measured shortly after the medication is administered. This is the opposite of the trough level. The peak level is important for assessing the maximum therapeutic effect of the medication but does not reflect the lowest concentration.
C) Half-life:
The half-life of a medication is the time it takes for the serum concentration of the drug to decrease by half. While it provides useful information about how long a drug stays in the body, it is not related to the lowest concentration of the drug. The half-life influences dosing intervals but is not directly tied to the concept of trough levels.
D) Toxic:
Toxic levels refer to the concentration of a medication in the blood that is high enough to cause harmful effects or toxicity. This is the opposite of the trough level, which represents the lowest safe level of the drug in the system. Toxicity occurs when drug levels exceed the therapeutic range, posing a risk to the patient’s health.
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