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 D

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Allergies to shellfish may indicate iodine allergy, relevant for procedures using iodine-based contrast, like PCI. The client’s shellfish allergy must be reported to the PHCP as a precautionary measure to prevent any allergic reaction.

Choice B rationale: Warm sensations during PCI are a common side effect of the contrast dye used in the procedure. This statement does not indicate an immediate concern requiring PHCP notification as it is a standard patient experience.

Choice C rationale: Anxiety in closed spaces, known as claustrophobia, may affect the client's comfort during PCI but can be managed with sedatives. The PHCP should be aware but it’s not as urgent as taking contraindicated medications.

Choice D rationale: Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, especially when iodine contrast dye is used during PCI. This condition is serious and may result in adverse interactions. The PHCP must be notified immediately.

A. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). B. Establish intravenous (IV) access. C. Carry out immediate defibrillation. D. Check the client’s latest electrolyte levels.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is choice c. Carry out immediate defibrillation.

Choice A rationale:

Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential for a client who is unresponsive and without a pulse. However, in the presence of ventricular fibrillation, immediate defibrillation is the priority to restore a viable heart rhythm.

Choice B rationale:

Establishing intravenous (IV) access is important for administering medications during resuscitation. However, it is not the immediate priority when defibrillation is indicated.

Choice C rationale:

Immediate defibrillation is the priority action for a client with ventricular fibrillation who is unresponsive and without a pulse. Defibrillation can quickly restore a normal heart rhythm, which is critical in saving the client’s life.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the client’s latest electrolyte levels can provide valuable information for ongoing treatment but is not the immediate priority in an emergency situation where defibrillation is indicated. Immediate action to restore the heart rhythm is more critical.

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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

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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