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).
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Seeking clarification of the type of advance directive the client has is the most appropriate response. A living will typically outlines a person’s wishes for end-of-life care, but it may not specifically address emergency situations like cardiac arrest.
Choice A rationale
Scheduling a client and family conference to review the plan of care may be helpful, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse first needs to understand the client’s wishes as outlined in their advance directive.
Choice B rationale
Explaining that living wills cannot be followed by emergency personnel is not entirely accurate. While it’s true that emergency personnel initiating resuscitative measures may not have immediate access to a person’s living will, in a hospital setting, a person’s known wishes should be respected as much as possible.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client’s arm for a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) bracelet is not the most appropriate response. While some people may choose to wear such a bracelet, not all do. Furthermore, a DNR order is just one type of advance directive, and it’s important to clarify what specific directives the client has in place.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering the medication at 1000, 1600, 2200, and 0400 would not be the best schedule because it does not evenly distribute the doses throughout the day. This could lead to periods of subtherapeutic medication levels and periods of potential toxicity.
Choice B rationale
Administering the medication with meals and a bedtime snack is not the best schedule for this medication. While some medications need to be administered with food, there is no indication
that this medication needs to be. Furthermore, this schedule could lead to uneven distribution of the medication throughout the day.
Choice C rationale
Giving the medication in equally divided doses during waking hours is not the best schedule because it does not take into account the half-life of the medication or the patient’s sleep schedule. This could lead to subtherapeutic levels of the medication during the night.
Choice D rationale
Administering the medication at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 is the best schedule for this medication. It evenly distributes the doses throughout the day, which can help maintain a therapeutic level of the medication and reduce the risk of toxicity.
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