The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older client who is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. Which finding is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse?
Reference ranges:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): [Adult: 10 to 20 mg/dL or 3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L] Platelets: [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 or 150 to 400 x 10^9/L]
Periodic nausea and vomiting.
Decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Platelet count 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 10^9/L
Blood urea nitrogen 75 mg/dL or 12.9 mmol/L
The Correct Answer is D
A high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level indicates impaired renal function, which can be caused by dehydration, infection, or nephrotoxic drugs. Chemotherapy can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of renal failure. The PN should report this finding to the charge nurse, as it may require fluid replacement, dose adjustment, or discontinuation of the chemotherapy.
The other options are not correct because:
A. Periodic nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy that can be managed with antiemetics, hydration, and dietary modifications. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes may indicate hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, or peripheral neuropathy, which can be caused by chemotherapy or other factors. They are not as urgent as a high BUN level.
C. A platelet count of 135,000/mm3 or 135 x 10^9/L is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. Chemotherapy can cause thrombocytopenia, which increases the risk of bleeding. The PN should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, but this finding is not as urgent as a high BUN level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking another nurse about administering adult dosages to children may provide some insights, but it is not a reliable or definitive source of information. The PN should directly communicate with the healthcare provider who wrote the prescription to ensure accuracy and safety.
Choice B rationale:
Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription.
Choice C rationale:
While requesting verification from the charge nurse is reasonable, the charge nurse may not have the authority to change or clarify the prescription. The most appropriate action is to directly contact the healthcare provider responsible for the child's care.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage assumes that the pharmacy made an error, which may not be the case. The PN should confirm the prescription with the healthcare provider to avoid potential mistakes or misunderstandings.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A:
Collect fingerstick glucose levels.
Choice A rationale:
When a client is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it means they are receiving nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. TPN often contains high levels of glucose, which can lead to hyperglycemia. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels are crucial to detect and manage hyperglycemia effectively, especially in clients at risk for diabetes or those with impaired glucose metabolism.
Choice B rationale:
Implementing bleeding precautions (Choice B) is important for clients on anticoagulant therapy or with bleeding disorders. However, it is not the most important intervention for a client receiving TPN. Monitoring glucose levels takes precedence in this case.
Choice C rationale:
Obtaining daily weights is an important intervention to assess fluid balance and nutritional status in clients receiving TPN. However, it is not the most critical intervention compared to monitoring glucose levels to prevent complications of hyperglycemia.
Choice D rationale:
Checking urine for albumin is important in assessing kidney function and detecting proteinuria. While it is a valid nursing intervention, it is not the most important consideration for a client on TPN. Monitoring glucose levels is of higher priority.
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