Which laboratory results should the nurse closely monitor in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.?
Serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus
Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit
Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine
Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature
The Correct Answer is A
Choice B reason: Erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit are laboratory results that are not as critical as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Erythrocytes are red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein in erythrocytes that binds oxygen. Hematocrit is the percentage of blood volume that is occupied by erythrocytes. ESRD can cause anemia (low erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels) due to reduced production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates erythrocyte formation, by the kidneys. Anemia can cause fatigue, pallor, or shortness of breath.
Choice C reason: Leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine are laboratory results that are not as relevant as serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Leukocytes are white blood cells that fight infection and inflammation. Neutrophils are a type of leukocyte that respond to bacterial infection. Thyroxine is a hormone that regulates metabolism and growth. ESRD can cause leukopenia (low leukocyte levels) and neutropenia (low neutrophil levels) due to impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to infection. ESRD can also cause hypothyroidism (low thyroxine levels) due to reduced clearance of thyroid hormones by the kidneys. Hypothyroidism can cause weight gain, cold intolerance, or depression.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature are not laboratory results, but vital signs that should be monitored in a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD.. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. Heart rate is the number of times the heart beats per minute. Temperature is the measure of body heat. ESRD can cause hypertension (high blood pressurE. due to fluid overload and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a hormonal pathway that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Hypertension can cause headache, chest pain, or stroke. ESRD can also cause tachycardia (high heart ratE. due to anemia, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalance. Tachycardia can cause palpitations, dizziness, or heart failure. ESRD can also cause fever (high temperaturE. due to infection or inflammation. Fever can cause chills, sweating, or delirium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B is correct because assessing the DTRs of a pregnant client with an elevated blood pressure can help detect signs of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy that can cause seizures, organ damage, and fetal death. Preeclampsia can cause hyperreflexia, which is an exaggerated response of the DTRs.
Choice A is incorrect because ankle edema is not a reliable indicator of preeclampsia and does not require assessing the DTRs. Ankle edema is a common finding in normal pregnancy due to increased blood volume and fluid retention.
Choice C is incorrect because assessing the DTRs during admission to labor and delivery is not as important as assessing them if the client has an elevated blood pressure. Assessing the DTRs during admission to labor and delivery can help monitor the client's neurological status, but it is not a priority action.
Choice D is incorrect because assessing the DTRs within the first trimester of pregnancy is not as important as assessing them if the client has an elevated blood pressure. Assessing the DTRs within the first trimester of pregnancy can help establish a baseline, but it is not a priority action.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client and does not indicate an infection. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia, such as hypertension, proteinuria, headache, blurred vision, and seizures.
Choice C reason: Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C. is slightly elevated, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A mild fever may occur within the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes. However, if the fever persists or increases, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice D reason: White blood cell count of 19,000/mm^3 (19 x 10^9/L) is higher than the normal range, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A leukocytosis or increased WBC count may occur as a normal response to stress or trauma during delivery. However, if the WBC count remains elevated or increases further, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
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