Which serum laboratory test result should the nurse expect for a client diagnosed with Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements?
Hemoglobin = 14.2 g/dL.
Potassium = 4.2 mEq/L.
Albumin = 2.8 g/dL.
Creatinine = 0.8 mg/dL.
The Correct Answer is C
Albumin is a protein that is made by the liver and helps maintain fluid balance in the
body. The normal range for albumin is 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL or 35-55 g/liter. A low albumin level can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, or other conditions that affect protein synthesis or loss.
A client diagnosed with Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements would be expected to have a low albumin level due to inadequate protein intake or absorption.
Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin = 14.2 g/dL is within the normal range for males, which is 13.2 to 16.6 g/dL.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or other conditions that affect red blood cell production or destruction.
Choice B is wrong because potassium = 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range for adults, which is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L.
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. A low potassium level can indicate dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, diuretic use, or other conditions that cause potassium loss. A high potassium level can indicate kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, acidosis, or other conditions that cause potassium retention.
Choice D is wrong because creatinine = 0.8 mg/dL is within the normal range for adults, which is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should hold and notify the prescriber because hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can lower the serum potassium level. The client already has a high serum potassium level of 5.2 mmol/L, which is above the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L.
Giving hydrochlorothiazide could worsen the client’s condition and cause hypokalemia.
Choice A is wrong because metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can lower the blood pressure and heart rate.
The client’s blood pressure and heart rate are not given, so there is no reason to hold metoprolol based on the information provided.
Choice C is wrong because enoxaparin is an anticoagulant that can prevent blood clots. The client has a low platelet count of 98,000/mm, which is below the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000/mm.
However, this does not contraindicate the use of enoxaparin, unless the client has signs of bleeding or bruising.
Choice D is wrong because atorvastatin is a statin that can lower the serum cholesterol
level. The client has a high serum cholesterol level of 250 mg/dL, which is above the desirable level of less than 200 mg/dL.
Giving atorvastatin could help reduce the client’s risk of cardiovascular complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
“Since I am taking Clozaril, I will need to have bloodwork performed weekly for six months.” This indicates that the client understands that Clozaril (clozapine) is an antipsychotic medication that can affect the immune system and cause a serious blood disorder called agranulocytosis. The client needs to have regular blood tests to monitor the white blood cell count and prevent infections.
Choice B is wrong because Clozaril can cause urinary retention, not decreased urination. The client should be advised to report any difficulty or pain when urinating.
Choice C is wrong because Clozaril is not a PRN medication. It should be taken regularly as prescribed by the doctor to maintain a therapeutic level and prevent relapse of psychotic symptoms.
Choice D is wrong because Clozaril is not available over the counter or in a generic form. It is a controlled substance that requires a special program and a certified pharmacy to dispense it.
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