The nurse is reviewing pre-operative laboratory studies of an adult client on a medical-surgical unit. Which result should be reported to the physician immediately?
Sodium, 152 mEq/L
Potassium, 3.8 mEq/L
Calcium, 10.0 mg/dL
Creatinine, 1.2 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Sodium levels in the blood should normally be between 135 and 145 mEq/L. A level of 152 mEq/L is considered high and can be indicative of hypernatremia, which requires prompt medical attention to address potential dehydration, kidney issues, or other underlying conditions.
Choice B Reason:
Potassium levels should be within the range of 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L for adults. A result of 3.8 mEq/L falls within the normal range, indicating no immediate concern regarding potassium levels.
Choice C Reason:
Calcium levels in the blood are typically between 8.6 and 10.2 mg/dL for adults. Therefore, a calcium level of 10.0 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not require urgent reporting to a physician.
Choice D Reason:
Creatinine levels in the blood should be between 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL in adults, depending on factors such as age, gender, and muscle mass. A level of 1.2 mg/dL is at the higher end of the normal range but is not typically considered critical unless there are other signs of kidney dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Providing information about available community resources is crucial for ongoing support and assistance. These resources can offer counseling, medical follow-up, legal advice, and other services that may be needed after such a traumatic event. Community resources play a vital role in the recovery process, offering a network of support and specialized services tailored to the needs of sexual assault survivors.
Choice B reason:
While it is important to know when to return to the ED for follow-up care, this is typically not the primary content of discharge instructions. Follow-up care is usually managed by primary care providers or specialists rather than the ED unless there are specific complications or concerns that need to be addressed immediately.
Choice C reason:
The names and phone numbers of local attorneys may be provided, but this is not standard for all discharge instructions. Legal support is important, but the immediate focus post-discharge is often on the survivor's physical and emotional well-being. Attorneys specializing in defending rape victims can be a part of the community resources provided to the survivor.
Choice D reason:
The phone number of a battered women's shelter or safe house may be included in discharge instructions, especially if there is an immediate need for safe accommodation. However, this is not the only resource that should be provided, and it is not specific to all cases of sexual assault.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Providing a quiet atmosphere for undisturbed sleep is beneficial for all patients, especially those recovering from illness. However, it does not directly address the issue of activity intolerance. Adequate rest is important, but the primary concern with activity intolerance is managing energy levels during waking hours to improve the patient's ability to engage in activities.
Choice B Reason
Clustering activities in the morning may seem like a good strategy when the patient is well-rested. However, this could lead to rapid depletion of energy reserves and exacerbate activity intolerance. It is more effective to spread activities throughout the day to manage energy levels better.
Choice C Reason
Identifying ways to conserve energy is a key intervention for managing activity intolerance. This can include teaching the patient energy-conservation techniques, such as sitting while showering or dressing, taking frequent breaks, and prioritizing tasks. This approach helps patients with folic acid deficiency anemia to participate in activities without excessive fatigue.
Choice D Reason
While nutrition is important in the management of anemia, recommending small frequent iron-rich meals does not directly address activity intolerance. Folic acid deficiency anemia requires dietary intake of folate-rich foods or supplements. Iron is important, but the focus for folic acid deficiency should be on folate.
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