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:

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

This finding requires immediate action, as it indicates that the client is not receiving the prescribed amount of oxygen, which can compromise the oxygenation and perfusion of the tissues. The PN should adjust the ﬂowmeter to deliver 3 liters per minute of oxygen, and check for any leaks or kinks in the tubing.

The other options are not correct because:

B. The absence of a humidifier does not require immediate action, as it is not a critical component of the oxygen delivery system. A humidifier can help moisten the dry oxygen and prevent mucosal irritation, but it is not essential for oxygenation.

C. The supine position does not require immediate action, as it is not a contraindication for oxygen therapy. The client may prefer this position for comfort or rest, and it does not aﬀect the oxygen delivery or uptake.

D. The snug fit of the cannula does not require immediate action, as it is not a problem for oxygen therapy. The cannula should fit snugly against the client's cheeks to prevent dislodgment or slippage, and it does not interfere with the oxygen ﬂow or diﬀusion.

A. Instruct the mother to play with the child for stimulation and distraction B. Administer a dose of acetaminophen as needed C. Monitor the child's oxygen saturation level via pulse oximetry. D. Encourage the child to drink adequate amounts of ﬂuids

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Croup is a respiratory infection that causes inﬂammation and narrowing of the airway, resulting in a barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor. The PN should monitor the child's oxygen saturation level via pulse oximetry, as it can indicate the severity of the airway obstruction and the need for supplemental oxygen or other interventions.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) is completing a focused assessment on a client who is prescribed oxygen at 3 liters per minute by nasal cannula. Which assessment finding by the PN requires immediate action?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

In assessing a 2-year-old boy with croup, the practical nurse (PN) finds that he has become increasingly irritable and has developed tachypnea and resting stridor. Which intervention is best for the PN to implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

At a prenatal visit, a primigravida client confides to the practical nurse (PN) that her partner is abusive. Which information should the PN provide?

Which actions should the practical nurse (PN) include when assessing a client for signs and symptoms of ﬂuid volume excess? (Select all that apply.)

Before leaving the room of a confused client, the nurse notes that a half-bow knot was used to attach the client's wrist restraints to the movable portion of the client's bed frame. What action should the nurse take before leaving the room?

A client receives a prescription for acetaminophen 1,000 mg by mouth every 8 hours as needed for pain. The bottle is labeled "Acetaminophen for Oral Suspension, USP 500 mg per 15 mL." How many tablespoons should the nurse instruct the client to take with each dose? (Enter numerical value only.)

Find patient data below. Exhibits here What actions should the nurse plan for the rest of the shift? Select all that apply.

The practical nurse (PN) plans to screen only high risk children for scoliosis. Which group of children should the PN screen?

The practical nurse (PN) prepares to remove a client's saline lock. Which supplies should the PN gather? (Select all that apply.)