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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The injury description by the mother varies from the child's version.

Choice A rationale:

The practical nurse (PN) should note the significant indicator of possible child abuse, which is the discrepancy between the mother's description of the injury and the child's version. In cases of child abuse, perpetrators often provide inconsistent or conflicting explanations about how the injuries occurred, raising suspicion of maltreatment. This inconsistency can be a red flag for the PN to further assess the situation and, if necessary, report concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Choice B rationale:

While the child looking at the floor when answering questions might be a behavior worth noting, it alone is not a definitive indicator of child abuse. Children may exhibit various emotional responses for various reasons, and it requires further assessment to determine if there are signs of abuse.

Choice C rationale:

The healing of abrasions on the child's arms, legs, and chest does not necessarily indicate child abuse. Children are active and prone to minor injuries, which are a normal part of growing up. The PN should investigate further to determine the cause of the injuries.

Choice D rationale:

The mother describing in detail what she did for her injured child does not automatically suggest child abuse. It is essential for the PN to gather more information and conduct a comprehensive assessment before drawing any conclusions.

A. Bring a glucometer to the room. B. Obtain emergency help. C. Feel for a carotid pulse. D. Check the blood pressure.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The PN should not prioritize bringing a glucometer to the room in this situation. The client's unresponsiveness indicates a potential medical emergency that requires immediate action, and checking blood glucose levels is not the primary concern at this moment.

Choice C rationale:

Feeling for a carotid pulse is an essential step in assessing the client's circulation. However, it is not the first priority when the client is unresponsive. The PN should focus on obtaining emergency help first to ensure timely intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the blood pressure can provide valuable information about the client's condition, but it is not the most critical step when dealing with an unresponsive client. Promptly seeking emergency assistance is more important to address the immediate concern.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The mother of a school-aged boy tells the practical nurse (PN) that he fell out of a tree and hurt his arm and shoulder. Which assessment should the practical nurse (PN) note as the most significant indicator of possible child abuse?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) enter a client's room and find the client lying on the bed. The PN determines that the client is unresponsive. Which instruction should the PN give the UAP first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) finds a postoperative client lying in bed with an unsecured surgical dressing as seen in the picture. After reinforcing the dressing, which follow-up assessment is most important for the PN to implement?

The practical nurse (PN) is reinforcing dietary instructions with a client who has renal disease regarding the need to limit salt intake. Which selections for a lunch meal indicate to the PN that the client is following the diet plan? (Select all that apply.).

The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the preparation of a client for fecal diversion surgery. While inserting an indwelling urinary catheter, the client asks if the surgical opening will be visible. Which action should the PN implement?

When monitoring a client's abdominal incision, the practical nurse (PN) observes a large amount of sanguineous drainage on the dressing. Which client data collection should the PN complete first?

Prior to giving digoxin, the practical nurse (PN) assesses that a 2-month-old infant's heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Based on this finding, which action should the PN take?

A client tells the practical nurse (PN) that she has a family history of cancer and has increased the amount of dairy products in her diet to reduce her risk of getting cancer. How should the PN respond?

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is completing an orientation assignment and is caring for a client who needs assistance with bathing. What is the best way for the practical nurse (PN) to evaluate this UAP's performance?

A client with urinary and fecal incontinence has an increased risk for developing a sacral pressure ulcer. Which information should the practical nurse (PN) give the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is assisting with the care of the client?