A patient’s lab results are as follows: BUN level is 8 mg/dL, Hemoglobin is 15 g/dL, Hematocrit is 47%, WBC count is 9,000/mm, Platelet count is 140,000/mm, Creatinine is 1.3 mg/dL, Bilirubin is 20 mg/dL, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is 36 units/L, and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is 40 units/L. What actions should be taken?
Implement seizure precautions.
Check deep tendon reflexes every hour.
Review the daily logs of the patient.
Obtain a prescription for methyldopa.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Implementing seizure precautions is not necessary based on these lab results. Seizure precautions are typically implemented for patients with a known seizure disorder or those who are at risk for seizures, such as patients with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, neither of which can be diagnosed based on these lab results.
Choice B rationale
Checking deep tendon reflexes every hour is not indicated based on these lab results. This action is typically taken for patients with altered neurological status or those receiving certain medications that can affect muscle tone.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the daily logs of the patient is a good practice in general to monitor the patient’s progress and response to treatment. However, it is not a specific action that should be taken based on these lab results.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a prescription for methyldopa is not indicated based on these lab results.
Methyldopa is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, and there is no indication from these lab results that the patient has high blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A baseline BP of 140/85 mmHg is considered high, but a current BP of 129/80 mmHg is within the normal range. Therefore, this would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice B rationale
A significant increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 110/70 mmHg to a current BP of 145/85 mmHg could indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice C rationale
A slight increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 120/80 mmHg to a current BP of 126/85 mmHg would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Choice D rationale
An increase in blood pressure from a baseline of 110/60 mmHg to a current BP of 120/63 mmHg would not typically indicate a risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A patient at 28 weeks of gestation receiving terbutaline may report fine tremors. This is a common side effect of terbutaline, which is a medication used to relax the muscles in the uterus to prevent premature labor. However, while it may be uncomfortable for the patient, it is not typically a cause for immediate concern.
Choice B rationale
A tearful patient at 32 weeks of gestation experiencing irregular, frequent contractions could be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions, which are often referred to as “false labor.”. These contractions are usually irregular and do not increase in intensity or frequency. While they can be uncomfortable, they are a normal part of pregnancy and do not typically require immediate medical attention. Choice C rationale
A patient diagnosed with preeclampsia reporting epigastric pain and an unresolved headache should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. These symptoms could indicate severe preeclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Epigastric pain may suggest liver involvement, and a persistent headache could be a sign of neurological involvement, both of which require immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
A patient diagnosed with preeclampsia having 2+ proteinuria and 2+ patellar reflexes is expected. Proteinuria is a common symptom of preeclampsia, and hyperreflexia can be a sign of increased neurological excitability, a common feature of preeclampsia. However, these findings alone do not typically require immediate medical attention.
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