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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Limiting ambulation is not typically recommended as part of the management for pneumonia. While rest is important, some movement is beneficial for preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis. Ambulation should be encouraged as tolerated to promote circulation and prevent stasis of secretions.

Choice B reason:
Administering pain medication every two hours may not be necessary and could lead to overmedication. Pain management should be based on the client's reported pain levels and response to medication, with adjustments made as needed for effective relief.

Choice C reason:
Encouraging the client to hold their chest with a pillow or hands, known as splinting, can help reduce the pain experienced during coughing by providing support and stabilizing the chest wall. This technique is a non-pharmacological intervention that can effectively manage pain associated with coughing in pneumonia patients.

Choice D reason:
Teaching pursed-lip breathing and deep breathing techniques is beneficial for clients with respiratory conditions, including pneumonia. These techniques can help improve ventilation and oxygenation, but they are not specifically aimed at managing pain during coughing. However, they can be included as part of the overall respiratory care plan.

A. Urine negative for ketones. B. Sodium 135 mg/dL and Potassium 3.5 mEq/L. C. BUN 34 mg/dL and Creatinine 4.2 mg/dL. D. White blood cell count 12,000/mm³.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason
Urine negative for ketones is a normal finding and does not typically indicate an acute problem. Ketones in the urine can be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes or starvation, but their absence is expected in a well-nourished individual who is not in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Choice B Reason
Sodium at 135 mg/dL and Potassium at 3.5 mEq/L are within normal ranges. The normal range for serum sodium is approximately 135-145 mEq/L, and for serum potassium, it is around 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. These values do not indicate an immediate concern for the patient with urosepsis.

Choice C Reason
A BUN of 34 mg/dL and Creatinine of 4.2 mg/dL are concerning. The normal range for BUN is approximately 6-20 mg/dL, and for Creatinine, it is about 0.6-1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5-1.1 mg/dL for females. Elevated levels of BUN and Creatinine indicate impaired kidney function, which can be a complication of urosepsis and the nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin and vancomycin.

Choice D Reason
A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm³ is slightly elevated, which may be expected in a patient with an infection such as urosepsis. The normal range is approximately 4,500-11,000 WBCs/mm³. While this should be monitored, it does not require immediate reporting unless there is a significant change or it is outside the patient's baseline.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with left lower lobe pneumonia who experiences pain when coughing. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is receiving gentamicin and vancomycin IV for urosepsis. Which diagnostic study result should the nurse report to the primary care practitioner?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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