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 observation that indicates that the UAPs need additional information about the turning procedure because it is incorrect and may cause complications for the client. The client who had a hip arthroplasty with prosthesis placement should not keep both legs straight and together while turning because this may cause dislocation of the prosthesis, nerve damage, or bleeding. The client should keep the aﬀected leg slightly abducted and supported with pillows or an abduction device.

A. The lab results indicate myocardial damage, and the client is at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias B. The client is at risk for pulmonary embolism, and lifestyle modifications need to be implemented. C. The client is at risk for recurrent long-term angina pain and subsequent myocardial infarction (MI). D. The lab results indicate risk factors for transient ischemic atack (TIA), and neurological vital signs should be monitored.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Troponin I and CK-MB are cardiac enzymes that are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is injured or necrotic. Elevated levels of these enzymes indicate that the client has suﬀered a myocardial infarction (MI) or heart atack. The damaged heart tissue can impair the electrical conduction system of the heart and cause abnormal heart rhythms or dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The PN should monitor the client's cardiac status closely and report any changes to the charge nurse.

The other options are not correct because:

The client is not at risk for pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot or other material. Pulmonary embolism does not cause elevated cardiac enzymes, but it can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and hypoxia.
The client is not at risk for recurrent long-term angina pain, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood ﬂow to the heart muscle due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Angina pain does not cause elevated cardiac enzymes, but it can be a warning sign of an impending MI.
The lab results do not indicate risk factors for transient ischemic atack (TIA), which is a temporary interruption of blood ﬂow to a part of the brain due to a clot or plaque. TIA does not cause elevated cardiac enzymes, but it can cause neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) observes two unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) turning an older client who had a hip arthroplasty with prosthesis placement four hours ago. Which observation by the PN indicates that the UAPs need additional information about the turning procedure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

A 4-month-old infant is brought to the clinic by a parent with symptoms of a runny nose, a slight fever, and cough for the last two days Which finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?

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Prior to an invasive examination of a hospitalized client, a consent form should be obtained. Which action best describes the responsibility of the practical nurse (PN)?

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