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

Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL.

Blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL.

Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L.

Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL. .

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 12.0 to
16.0 g/dL for women and 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. While it’s important to monitor hemoglobin levels, a value of 14.7 g/dL does not raise immediate concerns related to hypertension.
Choice B rationale
A blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL is considered normal. The normal range for fasting blood glucose is between 70 and 100 mg/dL1. Blood glucose levels are important to monitor, especially in patients with diabetes, but a value of 96 mg/dL is not immediately concerning in the context of hypertension.
Choice C rationale
A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is within the normal range, which is typically 3.6 to 5.2 mEq/L1. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that helps regulate heart and muscle contractions and maintain fluid balance in the body. While it’s important to monitor potassium levels, a value of 4.5 mEq/L does not raise immediate concerns related to hypertension.
Choice D rationale
A serum creatinine level of 2.8 mg/dL is high. Creatinine is a waste product that’s produced by your muscles and filtered out of your blood by your kidneys. High levels of creatinine can indicate that the kidneys aren’t working properly, which can be a complication of hypertension. Therefore, this result is the most important to communicate to the healthcare provider.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is not the first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern.
Choice B rationale
Cardioverting the client with a biphasic defibrillator is not the first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern.
Choice C rationale
The first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern is to assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation.
Choice D rationale
Administering an amiodarone bolus followed by a drip is not the first action a nurse should take when a patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern.

A. Intermittent claudication and pallor. B. Jugular vein distention and dependent edema. C. Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn. D. Sweating and cool, clammy skin.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Intermittent claudication and pallor are not typically symptoms of a myocardial infarction. Intermittent claudication, or pain in the legs with exercise, is more commonly associated with peripheral artery disease. Pallor, or paleness, can occur with various conditions but is not a specific sign of myocardial infarction3.
Choice B rationale
Jugular vein distention and dependent edema are not typically symptoms of a myocardial infarction. These signs are more commonly associated with heart failure3.
Choice C rationale
Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn can sometimes be symptoms of a myocardial infarction, particularly in women. However, these symptoms can also occur with many other conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders3.
Choice D rationale
Sweating and cool, clammy skin are common symptoms of a myocardial infarction. These symptoms occur due to the body’s stress response to the decreased blood flow to the heart muscle3.

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The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a patient 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

A nurse is caring for a client on a cardiac monitor. The patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern. What is the first action the nurse should take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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