The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

Blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L).

Serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L).

Hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L).

Potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
A blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice B rationale
A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L) is significantly elevated, indicating impaired kidney function. This is a critical lab value that should be reported to the surgeon immediately, as it could impact the patient’s ability to safely undergo surgery and recover postoperatively.

Choice C rationale
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice D rationale
A potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.

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

Choice A rationale
While avoiding exposure to large crowds can help prevent infections, especially for patients with compromised immune systems, it is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.
Choice B rationale
While emotional support is important for patients dealing with health issues, calling a crisis hotline if feeling lonely is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.
Choice C rationale
This is the most crucial information for the patient. Acetaminophen is found in many over-the- counter medications, and further intake could exacerbate liver damage.
Choice D rationale
While a balanced diet is important for overall health, following a high carbohydrate, low fat, low protein diet is not the most crucial information for a patient with liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen.

A. The patient’s currently prescribed medications. B. The increasing confusion of the patient. C. The patient’s healthcare power of attorney. D. The fall from a ladder as the reason for admission.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While the patient’s currently prescribed medications are important information, they are not the most immediate concern in this situation. The healthcare provider will need this information, but it does not need to be the first piece of information provided.

Choice B rationale
The increasing confusion of the patient is the most immediate concern and should be communicated first. Confusion and disorientation can be signs of a serious condition such as a brain injury, especially following a fall. It is crucial to relay this information to the healthcare provider as soon as possible so that appropriate diagnostic tests can be ordered and treatment can be initiated.
Choice C rationale
The patient’s healthcare power of attorney is important information, especially if the patient’s condition worsens and they are unable to make decisions for themselves. However, this information does not need to be communicated first. The immediate concern is the patient’s medical condition.
Choice D rationale
The fall from a ladder is certainly important information as it provides context for the patient’s current condition. However, it does not need to be the first piece of information provided. The healthcare provider will likely infer that a fall has occurred based on the other information provided (e.g., confusion, potential loss of consciousness).

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

The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A male adult is admitted due to an overdose of acetaminophen. After being transferred to the mental health unit, the patient is informed that he has liver damage. What is the most crucial information for the nurse to include in the patient’s discharge plan?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse in the emergency department is collecting evidence for a rape kit from a woman who reports that she was raped while returning to her dormitory from the university library. Which intervention is most crucial for the nurse to implement?

The nurse is providing postoperative care for an adolescent who underwent a left leg amputation due to osteosarcoma. The adolescent reports experiencing phantom limb pain. Which non-pharmacological intervention should the nurse provide?

The nurse is preparing a 50 mL dose of 50% dextrose IV for a patient with insulin shock. What is the appropriate method for administering the medication?

A client who follows Mormon beliefs is on a clear liquid diet following abdominal surgery. Which menu items should the nurse request for this client? Select all that apply.

A caregiver brings a client with end-stage Alzheimer’s disease to the clinic for an appointment with the healthcare provider. The caregiver confides in the nurse about experiencing sleepless nights and frequent bouts of crying. What action should the nurse take?

Which assessment finding is most crucial when planning to provide a complete bed bath to a bedfast client?

A client who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, intravenously (IV) at the rate of 8 mg/kg/min. Which intervention should the nurse implement while administering this medication?