An older adult client's skin feels warm and the client has a temperature of 101.2° F (38.4° C). The nurse further assesses that the client has a reddened tongue, dry mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?

Protein.

Hemoglobin.

White blood cell count

Sodium.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   While protein levels are important in assessing overall nutritional status and can indicate conditions like malnutrition or liver disease, they are not the primary focus in the context of fever, dry mucous membranes, and skin turgor changes.
B.   Hemoglobin levels are crucial for assessing anemia and overall oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Although dehydration can potentially concentrate hemoglobin levels, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor in the context of the acute symptoms
C.   The white blood cell count is important for diagnosing infections and understanding the body's response to illness. However, in this scenario, the primary concern is dehydration, which is not directly measured by WBC count. While an elevated WBC could indicate an infection contributing to the fever, it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
D.   Sodium is a key electrolyte that can be significantly affected by dehydration. Dry mucous membranes, inelastic skin turgor, and a fever suggest potential fluid loss and dehydration, which can lead to imbalances in sodium levels. Monitoring sodium levels is crucial because dehydration often results in elevated sodium concentrations (hypernatremia), which can have serious implications for the client’s health.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While it’s important to inform the charge nurse of any issues with the collection process, this action alone does not address the core problem of the collection being compromised. The charge nurse may offer guidance or assist in deciding the next steps, but the primary focus should be on correcting the collection process to ensure accurate results.
B. Notifying the healthcare provider can be important, especially if the results of the 24-hour urine collection are critical to the client’s diagnosis or treatment plan. However, it is usually more efficient to first address the issue of the collection itself and then inform the healthcare provider about the results of these corrective actions.
C. This is the most appropriate action when a mistake occurs in the collection process, such as flushing a voided sample. The integrity of the collection is compromised, and starting a new 24-hour collection period ensures that all samples are accounted for and that the results will be accurate.
D. Adding extra time to the urine collection period does not compensate for the missed sample. The accuracy of the collection depends on having all urine samples from the full 24-hour period.

A. Explain the respiratory problems that can occur with morphine use. B. Recommend asking the healthcare professional for a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. C. Provide client with a schedule of around-the-clock prescribed analgesic use. D. Teach family how to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Morphine is a potent opioid used for pain relief, but it can have side effects, including respiratory depression. While it is important to be aware of and discuss potential side effects, focusing on
respiratory problems might increase the client’s anxiety about using the medication.
B. A PCA pump allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, providing more control over pain management. However, PCA pumps are typically used in hospital settings and may not be practical or appropriate for home hospice care.
C. Providing a schedule for around-the-clock analgesic use is a practical and effective approach to pain management. It ensures that the client receives consistent pain relief and helps prevent the pain from becoming unmanageable.
D. Teaching the family to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics is important for ongoing pain management. This includes recognizing signs of pain relief and potential side effects. However, this action might be more relevant once pain management is underway and requires follow-up, rather than addressing the immediate concern of managing pain effectively from the start.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

An older adult client's skin feels warm and the client has a temperature of 101.2° F (38.4° C). The nurse further assesses that the client has a reddened tongue, dry mucous membranes, and inelastic skin turgor. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client started a 24-hour urine collection several hours ago. The client tells the nurse that the last voiding was accidentally flushed instead of saved in the container. Which intervention should the nurse initiate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

In-home hospice care is arranged for a client with stage 4 lung cancer. While the palliative care nurse is arranging for discharge, the client verbalizes concerns about pain. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is demonstrating three-point gait crutch walking to an older adult man who broke his foot while playing soccer with his grandchildren. Which behavior indicates that the client understands proper crutch walking?

A client is admitted to the rehabilitation unit following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), which resulted in paralysis of the right arm. When the nurse enters the room, the client is struggling to put on a shirt, and curses at the nurse. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

The nurse observes a colleague putting printed copies of client information in a uniform pocket before going home. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse identifies the hospitalized client in which situation as being at highest risk for the development of a healthcare associated infection (HAI)?

When entering a client's room, the nurse observes the client holding up an arm and coughing non-productively into the upper sleeve. Which action should the nurse take?

During the shift change report, the nurse is told that a client has a stage 2 pressure injury. Which ulcer appearance is most likely to be observed?

In planning the turning schedule for a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to consider which assessment finding?