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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 D
Explanation
A) Incorrect- While monitoring urinary output is important for overall assessment, it is not the most critical intervention in this situation of suspected stroke. The client's neurological symptoms take precedence.
B) Incorrect- Positioning might be relevant to preventing complications, but it is not the highest priority intervention in this situation. The focus should be on assessing the client's neurological status and determining appropriate intervention.
C) Incorrect- Although head positioning is relevant for intracranial pressure management, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first assess the time of symptom onset and determine if the client is experiencing an acute stroke.
D) Correct- The client's symptoms, including sudden severe headache, facial numbness, facial droop, and weakness on one side, are suggestive of a stroke. The nurse should prioritize assessing the time of symptom onset, as time is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate intervention. Rapid intervention can improve outcomes in stroke cases, especially when considering interventions like thrombolytic therapy. The other options are not as directly relevant to the immediate management of a suspected stroke.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Gravida: The client has been pregnant five times: three times she gave birth to term babies, once she gave birth to preterm twins, and once she had a spontaneous abortion.
Term births: She has given birth three times: at 38 weeks, 41 weeks, and 35 weeks (twins). These are all considered term births. Term pregnancies are 37 weeks and beyond. So, the number of term births is 2.
Preterm births: She had one birth at 35 weeks, which is considered preterm. So, the number of preterm births is 1.
Abortions: She had one spontaneous abortion at 10 weeks' gestation. So, the number of abortions is 1.
Living children: All of her children are alive and well. So, the number of living children is 4.
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