For a client with diabetes mellitus, which new lab finding is the greatest concern?

Potassium 5.0 mEq/L.

Creatinine 4.4 mg/dL.

Hemoglobin 10.7 g/dL.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) 22 mg/dL.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason
A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. While this level should be monitored, especially in the context of diabetes where the patient may be at risk for hyperkalemia due to potential kidney issues, it is not immediately alarming¹.

Choice B Reason
A creatinine level of 4.4 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. This indicates severe renal impairment or kidney failure, which is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Immediate intervention is required to address this critical issue¹.

Choice C Reason
A hemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for adults, which is generally 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for males and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for females. This could indicate mild anemia, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as immediately concerning as a high creatinine level¹.

Choice D Reason
A Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level of 22 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is typically between 7 and 20 mg/dL. This level does not indicate immediate concern and is not as critical as the elevated creatinine level¹.

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 B

Explanation

Choice A Reason
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered within the normal range and is an ideal target for most individuals being treated for hypertension. This finding would not typically alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

Choice B Reason
Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L is higher than the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This is a known side effect of lisinopril, especially in clients with renal impairment, as it inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduces potassium excretion.

Choice C Reason
A heart rate of 80 beats per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 60-100 beats per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

Choice D Reason
A respiration rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 12-20 breaths per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

A. The nurse observes the client using accessory muscles while breathing. B. The client is able to answer questions in full sentences. C. Lung auscultation demonstrates diminished breath sounds. D. The client appears restless and anxious when resting in bed.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Using accessory muscles while breathing is a sign of respiratory distress and indicates that the client is working harder to breathe. This is not a desired outcome of treatment and suggests that the asthma exacerbation is not under control.

Choice B Reason:

The ability to answer questions in full sentences suggests that the client's airway is not severely obstructed, which is a positive sign of effective asthma treatment. When asthma is well-controlled, individuals should not experience significant shortness of breath that limits their ability to speak.

Choice C Reason:

Diminished breath sounds can be a sign of severe airway obstruction and are not indicative of effective asthma treatment. Ideally, lung auscultation should reveal clear breath sounds without wheezing, indicating good air movement throughout the lungs.

Choice D Reason:

Restlessness and anxiety can be symptoms of hypoxia, a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply. This is not a sign of effective asthma treatment and may indicate that the client's asthma is not well-managed.

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

For a client with diabetes mellitus, which new lab finding is the greatest concern?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is prescribed lisinopril 20 mg PO daily for the treatment of hypertension. Which finding would alert the nurse that a side effect of the medication has occurred?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client is being treated for an acute exacerbation of asthma. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the goals of treatment are being met?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A 7-year-old child without any other diagnosed problems engages in jaw clenching and rocking behaviors. Which condition should the nurse anticipate?

To evaluate the effectiveness of nitroglycerin 0.4 mg SL administered to a client diagnosed with angina pectoris, the nurse should:

After successfully losing one pound weekly for several months, an obese client at the clinic has not lost any weight for the last month. What should the nurse do first?

A nurse formulates the problem of ineffective airway clearance for a client who has pneumonia. Which assessment data best supports this problem?

The nurse is evaluating the teaching of self-monitoring of blood glucose levels in a newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic client. The nurse identifies a need for additional teaching when the client:

The nurse's teaching plan for a client taking lithium should include instructions to:

The nurse is performing discharge teaching for a Type 2 diabetic client on insulin glargine. The nurse is aware that the teaching has been effective when the client states:

A nurse is caring for a client who has had repeated instances of cystitis. When considering the possible progression of the infection, for which symptoms should the client be taught to monitor?