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 B

Explanation

This is the best initial intervention for the PN to implement because it promotes comfort, relaxation, and circulation for the client. A back rub can also reduce anxiety and muscle tension, which can interfere with sleep. The PN should use non-pharmacological methods to facilitate sleep before resorting to medication.

A. Auscultate for irregular heart rate. B. Monitor daily sodium intake. C. Document abdominal girth. D. Measure ankle circumference

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Correct- Electrolyte imbalances, particularly involving electrolytes like potassium, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Elevated blood pressure can strain the cardiovascular system, and mental status changes could indicate potential neurologic and cardiovascular involvement. Auscultating for an irregular heart rate helps identify any immediate cardiac issues that require intervention.
B) Incorrect- While monitoring sodium intake is important for clients with chronic kidney disease, it is not the most urgent action in this scenario. The presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and changes in mental status indicate a more acute concern that requires immediate assessment.
C) Incorrect- Documenting abdominal girth is relevant for assessing fluid status, but in this situation, the presence of electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and mental status changes indicates a more critical issue that requires prompt intervention.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who had orthopedic surgery three days ago verbalizes difficulty in sleeping. Which initial intervention is best for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse identifies an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and exhibited changes in mental status for a client with chronic kidney disease. Which is the most important action for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

While receiving report for a client with carcinoma in situ of the left breast, the practical nurse (PN) reviews a pending lab report and notices increased levels of Anti-Glycan Neu5Gc Antibodies (AGNA). Which changes should the PN anticipate to be included in the client's plan of care?

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?

Find patient data about a client below. After the nurse assesses the client, the physician writes orders. The nurse reviews the orders. Which 2 orders should the nurse complete first?

The practical nurse (PN) assigns an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to clean the hearing aid of an older adult resident of a long-term care facility. Which instructions should the PN provide to the UAP? (Select all that apply.)

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

The practical nurse (PN) observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) performing oral hygiene on an unconscious client who is lying in a ﬂat side-lying position with an emesis basin on the bedside table near the chin. Which action should the PN take?

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?