A client is admitted for treatment of acute diverticulitis with associated nausea and vomiting. Which serum laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor during the client's treatment?

Liver enzymes.

Platelet count.

Albumin.

White blood cell count (WBC).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Liver function tests, including AST, ALT, and ALP, are used to assess hepatic injury or disease. While important in certain contexts, liver enzymes are not directly affected by diverticulitis. Monitoring these values would only be necessary if the client had pre-existing liver disease, was taking hepatotoxic medications, or had symptoms suggestive of liver dysfunction. In the acute management of diverticulitis, liver enzymes do not provide timely information about the infection or inflammation severity.

B. Platelet counts are monitored to evaluate clotting function or risk of bleeding. Acute diverticulitis is not typically associated with thrombocytopenia or bleeding unless there is an unusual complication. Therefore, platelet count is not the priority lab value in assessing the client’s response to diverticulitis treatment.

C. Serum albumin reflects nutritional status and chronic protein stores, and hypoalbuminemia can indicate malnutrition or chronic illness. While the client’s nausea and vomiting may eventually affect nutrition, changes in albumin occur gradually over days to weeks. It does not provide immediate information about the acute infection or inflammatory response, so it is not the most important lab to monitor in the acute phase.

D. WBC is the most critical laboratory value to monitor in acute diverticulitis. Diverticulitis involves inflammation and often infection of diverticula in the colon, which triggers an immune response. A high WBC count (leukocytosis) indicates active infection or inflammation, while trends in WBC levels help the healthcare team determine whether antibiotic therapy is effective or if complications, such as abscess formation, perforation, or sepsis, are developing. Monitoring WBC is crucial to early detection of worsening illness and timely interventions.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is the most important intervention for this client. In CKD, the kidneys lose their ability to produce sufficient erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. Consequently, anemia is common in CKD and dialysis patients. The nurse should regularly assess for clinical signs such as pallor, fatigue, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and dizziness, and collaborate with the healthcare team for interventions such as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) or iron supplementation. Monitoring anemia is critical because untreated anemia can lead to cardiovascular strain, decreased functional ability, and reduced quality of life.

B. This is contraindicated. Anuric CKD clients are unable to excrete potassium, putting them at high risk for hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Nursing care should focus on restricting potassium intake and monitoring serum potassium levels rather than promoting high-potassium foods.

C. While skin care is important, this intervention is less relevant for an anuric client, because the client does not produce urine that could cause moisture-related skin breakdown. Skin care priorities should focus more on mobility, pressure injury prevention, and moisture from perspiration or incontinence of stool if applicable.

D. A toileting schedule is important for clients with urinary incontinence, but it is not necessary for an anuric patient. Since this client does not produce urine, scheduled voiding will not prevent complications and is not a priority intervention.

A. Experiences facial swelling after eating crab. B. Verbalizes a fear of being in a confined space. C. Reports left chest wall pain prior to admission. D. Drank a glass of water in the past 2 hours.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is the most critical report to explore. Facial swelling after eating shellfish may indicate a food allergy or a risk for anaphylaxis, especially if the client has a history of reactions to seafood. Cardiac catheterization often involves contrast dye administration, which can trigger severe allergic reactions. Identifying potential allergies prior to the procedure is essential for patient safety and may require premedication or alternative contrast agents.

B. Claustrophobia is important to address for client comfort and cooperation, but it is not immediately life-threatening. This concern can often be managed with pre-procedure education or anxiolytic medication.

C. While chest pain is relevant to the client’s cardiac condition, it has already been assessed and led to the decision for angioplasty. Unless new or worsening pain is reported, it is not the immediate safety concern before the procedure.

D. Fasting status is important, but drinking water is generally less risky than potential allergic reactions. Some labs allow small sips of water before angiography, and this can usually be clarified with the provider.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client is admitted for treatment of acute diverticulitis with associated nausea and vomiting. Which serum laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor during the client's treatment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is planning care for a client with chronic kidney disease who is a resident at a long-term nursing facility. The client is anuric and has hemodialysis 3 times a week. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to send a client to the cardiac catheterization lab for an angioplasty. Which client report is most important for the nurse to explore further prior to the start of the procedure?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Chart is reviewed. Choose the most likely options for the information missing from the statement by selecting from the lists of options provided. The nurse determines the client's symptoms are most likely caused by dropdownresulting in thedropdown affect anddropdown

The nurse is caring for a client with preterm labor. Which condition should the nurse recognize as a contraindication to tocolytic therapy?

An older adult male client who was successfully treated for herpes zoster with an antiviral medication reports that he is now experiencing pain on his trunk where the lesions were located. Which action should the nurse take?

A client who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) reports a weak urinary stream, urgency, and difficulty achieving erections. Which statement by the nurse describes the reason for these symptoms?

The nurse is caring for a client with the sexually transmitted infection (STI) human papillomavirus (HPV). The client reports having had prior sexually transmitted infections. Which response should the nurse provide?

A client who was splashed with a chemical has both eyes covered with bandages. When assisting the client with eating, which intervention should the nurse instruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to implement?

The nurse is caring for a client with aortic valve regurgitation. Which finding is most important for the nurse report to the healthcare provider?