The nurse is evaluating a client for cardiovascular risk factors. Which laboratory result places the client at increased risk for cardiovascular disease?
HD cholesterol 60 mg/di
Total cholesterol 210 mg/at
LDL cholesterol 110 me di
Hgb A1C 5.3%
The Correct Answer is C
A) "HDL cholesterol 60 mg/dL":
This is not a risk factor. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. An HDL level of 60 mg/dL is considered protective against cardiovascular disease, as higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
B) "Total cholesterol 210 mg/dL":
This is not a significant risk factor on its own. While total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL is a general indicator for cardiovascular risk, it is not as important as the breakdown of individual lipid components (HDL, LDL). A total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL is only slightly above the ideal less than 200 mg/dL, and on its own, it is not a strong indicator of increased cardiovascular risk without considering other factors like LDL and HDL levels.
C) "LDL cholesterol 110 mg/dL":
. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as "bad cholesterol" because it can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk for atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. An LDL level of 110 mg/dL is considered to be above optimal. For individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, the target LDL cholesterol level is usually less than 100 mg/dL, and for those with high risk, it may be less than 70 mg/dL. Therefore, this level of LDL cholesterol places the client at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
D) "Hgb A1C 5.3%":
This is not a risk factor. An Hgb A1C of 5.3% is within the normal range for glycemic control. The American Diabetes Association defines normal A1C as below 5.7%. A1C levels between 5.7% and 6.4% are considered pre-diabetes, and a level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. A normal A1C level indicates no significant elevated blood glucose, which would be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Leave the room to pull the fire alarm: While pulling the fire alarm is an important step in alerting others to the fire, it is not the nurse's priority action when a fire is discovered in the client's bathroom. The immediate concern is the safety of the client. The nurse should prioritize getting the client out of harm’s way before any other actions.
B) Remove the client from their room and relocate to a safe space: This is the most appropriate first action. The nurse’s first responsibility is to ensure the client's safety. Removing the client from the immediate danger zone, which is the room with the fire, is the priority. This action helps prevent injury or death from smoke inhalation or burns. Once the client is safe, the nurse can then proceed to alert others and address the fire as needed.
C) Douse the client with a fire extinguisher, using a back-and-forth motion: This action is inappropriate because the client should never be doused with a fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher is intended for controlling the fire, not for use on individuals. Additionally, extinguishing a fire should not take priority over ensuring the client's immediate safety by removing them from the room.
D) Close all the doors to the client's room: Closing doors can help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading, but it is not the first priority. The immediate action should focus on removing the client from the room to a safe space. After ensuring the client's safety, the nurse can then close the doors to help contain the fire while awaiting assistance.Top of FormBottom of Form
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Obtain a 12-lead ECG:
The client’s potassium level of 6.6 mEq/L is significantly elevated which places the patient at risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Elevated potassium levels can cause dangerous changes in the electrical activity of the heart, leading to peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and even cardiac arrest. A 12-lead ECG is necessary to assess the heart's electrical activity and to identify any potential arrhythmias
B) Request an electroencephalogram (EEG):
An EEG is used to assess brain activity and is typically indicated for conditions such as seizures or epilepsy. This client’s laboratory findings do not suggest a neurological concern that would warrant an EEG.
C) Assess for Chvostek's sign:
Chvostek's sign is used to assess for hypocalcemia or tetany, where a twitching of the facial muscles occurs upon tapping the facial nerve. However, the client’s primary issue here is elevated potassium levels, which are a more immediate concern than hypocalcemia. Hyperkalemia can have more severe and urgent consequences, particularly for the heart, so Chvostek's sign is not the priority at this time.
D) Obtain a chest X-ray:
A chest X-ray is not indicated based on the client’s current electrolyte imbalance or renal failure status. While a chest X-ray may be useful for various other concerns, the client’s elevated potassium level is the primary issue, and the priority intervention is to assess and manage the potential for cardiac arrhythmias with a 12-lead ECG.
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