The nurse is completing the admission assessment of an adolescent client who is underweight and admitted to a psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of depression. Which finding requires notification to the healthcare provider?
Reference Range:
Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L]
White Blood Cell (WBC) [5000 to 10,000/mm3 or 5 to 10 x 109/L]
Body mass index of 21.
Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dl (2.9 mmol/L).
WBC of 10,000/mm3 (10 x 109/L).
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 21 is within the normal range and does not require immediate notification to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale: A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adolescent and does not require immediate notification.
Choice C rationale: A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/dL (2.9 mmol/L) is below the normal range (hypokalemia) and requires notification to the healthcare provider due to the potential for adverse effects on cardiac and neuromuscular function.
Choice D rationale: A WBC of 10,000/mm3 (10 x 109/L) falls within the normal range and does not require immediate notification.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Individual addiction counseling may be beneficial for the client but does not address the immediate physiological issue of Wernicke encephalopathy. Thiamine replacement is the priority.
Choice B rationale: Initiating disulfiram teaching is not relevant to the management of Wernicke encephalopathy. Disulfiram is used for alcohol aversion therapy, not thiamine deficiency.
Choice C rationale: Thiamine administration is the most critical intervention for Wernicke encephalopathy caused by alcohol addiction. Thiamine deficiency is a key factor in the development of this condition.
Choice D rationale: Nutrition referral may be important for the client's overall well being, but it is not the priority when the client is experiencing Wernicke encephalopathy. Immediate thiamine replacement is essential.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:A. The drug that was ingested is the most important information because knowing the specific substance determines the course of treatment. For example, acetaminophen overdose requires administration of N-acetylcysteine, while opioid overdose requires naloxone. Different drugs have different toxic effects, antidotes, and supportive measures, making this information critical to providing appropriate and potentially life-saving care.
Choice B rationale: The time since drug ingestion is important because many interventions, such as gastric lavage or activated charcoal, are time-sensitive. However, without knowing the specific drug, it is difficult to determine whether these interventions are necessary or effective
Choice C rationale: Knowing the reason for the suicide attempt is important for overall assessment and treatment planning but may not provide immediate information for the current situation.
Choice D rationale: Past history of depression is relevant to the client's overall mental health, but in the context of a suspected drug overdose, the time since ingestion takes precedence.
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