The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a client who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL

Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL

Blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL

Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Among the given laboratory test results for a client with recently diagnosed hypertension, the most important result to communicate to the health care provider is option (A), "Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL."

Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function, and a value of 2.8 mg/dL indicates elevated creatinine levels. Elevated serum creatinine is a concerning finding, as it suggests decreased kidney function or kidney impairment. Hypertension can have a significant impact on the kidneys, and kidney damage is a common complication of uncontrolled high blood pressure.

The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by excreting waste products and excess fluids from the body. When kidney function is compromised due to hypertension, it can further worsen the blood pressure control, leading to a vicious cycle of kidney damage and worsening hypertension.

Option (B), "Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL," is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern related to the client's hypertension.

Option (C), "Blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL," is also within the normal range for blood glucose and may not be directly related to the client's hypertension.

Option (D), "Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L," is within the normal range. While potassium levels are essential to monitor, they are not the most critical concern compared to kidney function in this context.

The elevated serum creatinine level suggests a potential complication of hypertension, namely kidney damage or decreased kidney function. Therefore, it is essential to communicate this finding promptly to the health care provider for further evaluation and appropriate management to address the client's kidney health and optimize blood pressure control.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Resumption of sexual activity after a myocardial infarction (MI) is an important topic to address as part of the overall recovery and rehabilitation process. It should be discussed along with other physical activities during the patient's recovery. The nurse should initiate the discussion in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, addressing the patient's concerns, fears, and questions about sexual activity after an MI.

Sexual activity is a normal part of life, and patients may have concerns about the safety and appropriateness of engaging in sexual activity after a significant cardiac event like an MI. Discussing it along with other physical activities helps normalize the topic and allows the nurse to provide accurate information, address any misconceptions, and offer guidance on when and how to resume sexual activity safely. Patients should be encouraged to have an open dialogue with their healthcare provider about their concerns and any specific questions they may have related to resuming sexual activity.

A. IV morphine sulfate 4 mg B. Oral acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg C. Oral ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg D. Fentanyl 1 mg IV

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. It can cause chest pain, which is often worsened by deep breathing or coughing. The goal of treatment for pericarditis is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

In this case, the client's pain level is reported as 6 out of 10. As per the PRN (as-needed) medication options given:

C) Oral ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in cases of pericarditis. It is an appropriate choice for this client's pain level of 6 out of 10.

A) IV morphine sulfate 4 mg: IV morphine is a potent opioid analgesic and may be appropriate for severe pain. However, in this case, the client's pain level is moderate (6 out of 10), and it is not the first-line medication for pericarditis pain.

B) Oral acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg: Acetaminophen is a mild analgesic and antipyretic that can be effective for mild to moderate pain. However, in this situation, the client's pain is moderate (6 out of 10), and acetaminophen alone may not provide adequate relief for pericarditis pain.

D) Fentanyl 1 mg IV: Fentanyl is another potent opioid analgesic. However, similar to morphine, it may be more appropriate for severe pain, not moderate pain like in this scenario.

Based on the client's pain level and the goal of reducing inflammation, the most appropriate PRN medication for the nurse to give is oral ibuprofen (Motrin) 600 mg.

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The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a client who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is providing teaching to a patient recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI). How should resumption of sexual activity be discussed?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client recovering from heart surgery develops pericarditis and reports level 6 (0 to 10 scale) chest pain with deep breathing. Which prescribed PRN medication will be the most appropriate for the nurse to give?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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