A client who has had diabetes for the past 10 years has an elevated blood pressure and bilateral ankle edema. Which laboratory result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?
Liver function.
Lipoprotein panel.
Kidney function.
Serum glucose.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Liver function: Liver function tests are important for overall health but are not directly indicated by the client’s symptoms of hypertension and bilateral ankle edema.
B. Lipoprotein panel: Lipid levels are relevant for cardiovascular risk management in diabetes but do not directly explain the acute signs of edema and elevated blood pressure.
C. Kidney function: Hypertension, long-standing diabetes, and bilateral ankle edema suggest possible diabetic nephropathy or kidney impairment. Laboratory results such as elevated serum creatinine or BUN would warrant immediate reporting and further evaluation.
D. Serum glucose: Elevated glucose indicates diabetes control status but does not directly explain edema or hypertension. While important, it is not the most urgent laboratory finding in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Choices
- Importance of eating a balanced diet: Clients with COPD require adequate nutrition to maintain energy and prevent muscle wasting, which can worsen respiratory function. Balanced meals support overall health and lung function.
- Need for influenza and pneumonia vaccination: Vaccinations reduce the risk of respiratory infections, which can exacerbate COPD and lead to hospitalization. Preventive immunizations are essential for long-term disease management.
- Regular exercise: Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens respiratory muscles, and enhances overall endurance, helping clients tolerate daily activities despite airflow limitations.
- Supplemental oxygen instructions: If prescribed, clients need to know proper oxygen use, flow rates, and safety precautions to maintain adequate oxygen saturation and prevent hypoxemia.
- Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking is the single most effective intervention to slow the progression of COPD and reduce exacerbations. Education on cessation strategies and resources is critical.
- Use of albuterol prior to exercise: Pre-exercise use of short-acting bronchodilators can reduce exercise-induced bronchospasm, improving tolerance to activity and preventing acute shortness of breath episodes.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices:
- The need to switch to e-cigarettes instead of smoking tobacco cigarettes: E-cigarettes are not considered a safe alternative and can still harm the lungs. Advising switching does not reduce COPD progression.
- How to use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device at night: CPAP is used for obstructive sleep apnea, not standard COPD management unless the client has coexisting sleep apnea. It is not routinely included in COPD education.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Treat with ice then apply an elastic bandage wrap: Applying ice or compression without assessing for the underlying cause could worsen conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Immediate assessment is required before any treatment.
B. Check the leg for warmth and erythema: Warmth, redness, and swelling are classic signs of DVT, which is a medical emergency, especially in a client with risk factors such as smoking and oral contraceptive use. Assessing for these signs first helps identify a potentially life-threatening condition.
C. Ask the client to rate her pain on a scale from 0 to 10: Pain assessment is important for overall evaluation but does not provide objective information about the presence of DVT, which must be ruled out immediately.
D. Teach the client to keep the leg elevated: Elevation may help with edema but could delay urgent evaluation for DVT. Initiating teaching without first assessing for a serious vascular issue could be unsafe.
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