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

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Using a cushion when sitting can provide comfort but does not directly address the client’s electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, or weight gain.

Choice B rationale
Offering a high protein diet can be beneficial for clients with hepatic failure to support liver regeneration and prevent malnutrition. However, it does not directly address the client’s immediate issues.

Choice C rationale

Providing only distilled water does not address the client’s electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, or weight gain. In fact, it could potentially exacerbate electrolyte imbalances.

Choice D rationale
Documenting abdominal girth can help monitor for fluid accumulation (ascites), a common complication of hepatic failure that can contribute to weight gain and elevated blood pressure.

A. Avoid administering oxygen at high levels for extended periods. B. Increase the oxygen rate during sleep to compensate for a slower respiratory rate. C. Taking a sedative at bedtime slows the respiratory rate, which decreases oxygen needs. D. Oxygen is less toxic when it is humidified with a hydration source.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Oxygen therapy is a crucial part of the management for patients with severe pneumonia. However, prolonged administration of high concentrations of oxygen can potentially lead to oxygen toxicity, resulting in damage to the cells of the lungs. This is due to the production of

reactive oxygen species which can damage cell structures. Therefore, it is important to avoid administering oxygen at high levels for extended periods.
Choice B rationale
While it might seem logical to increase the oxygen rate during sleep due to a slower respiratory rate, this is not typically recommended. The body’s oxygen requirements do not significantly change during sleep and increasing the oxygen rate could potentially lead to hyperoxia.
Choice C rationale
Sedatives can indeed slow the respiratory rate, but this does not decrease oxygen needs. In fact, it could potentially lead to respiratory depression and hypoxia, especially in a patient with a respiratory illness like pneumonia.
Choice D rationale
Humidification of oxygen can improve patient comfort, especially with high flow rates, by preventing dryness in the nasal passages. However, it does not make oxygen less toxic.

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

The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and a weight gain of 4.4 lbs (2 kg) in 24 hours in a client with hepatic failure. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A 10-year-old child with pneumonia is receiving oxygen at 5 L/minute via a nasal cannula. When planning care for this child, what principle of oxygen administration should the nurse keep in mind?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a dose of teriparatide for a patient. The medication is labeled as “750 mcg/2.4 mL”. How many mL should the nurse administer to deliver a dose of 60 mcg

When providing nursing care for a client after a gastric endoscopy, which intervention should the nurse include in the post-procedure plan of care for commonly occurring problems?

A client with a venous ulcer, which has not responded to intravenous vancomycin treatment and is discharging pus, has been admitted with a potential infection of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE). Which nursing interventions should be included in the care plan? Select all that apply.

The nurse uses the Modified Caregiver Strain Index (MCSI) and determines that the daughter is under significant stress caused by the assumption of her mother’s care.

The nurse instructs an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn an immobilized older client with an indwelling urinary catheter every two hours. Which additional action should the nurse instruct the UAP to take each time the client is turned?

A patient admitted to the hospital with a suspected ruptured diverticulum develops signs and symptoms of septic shock. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

An older adult patient arrives at the clinic reporting decreased strength in knees and handgrips. What action should the nurse include in a functional assessment of this patient?