A home health nurse is examining the lab results of several patients with a history of heart failure (HF). Which patient’s finding should the nurse immediately report to the healthcare provider?
Potassium level of 3.7 mEq/L (3.7 mmol/L).
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 550 pg/mL (550 ng/L).
Total cholesterol level of 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L).
Glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) level of 7%.
The Correct Answer is B
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice B.
Choice A rationale
A potassium level of 3.7 mEq/L (3.7 mmol/L) is within the normal range, which is typically between 3.6 and 5 mEq/L12. Therefore, this result does not need to be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are used to diagnose and monitor heart failure. A BNP level of 550 pg/mL (550 ng/L) is significantly higher than the normal range, which is less than 100 pg/mL34. High BNP levels indicate that the heart is working harder than normal, which is a common occurrence in heart failure. Therefore, this result should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale
A total cholesterol level of 190 mg/dL (4.92 mmol/L) is considered borderline high. While it’s important to manage cholesterol levels in patients with heart failure, this result is not critical and does not need to be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
A glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) level of 7% is at the threshold for the diagnosis of diabetes. Diabetes can complicate the management of heart failure and increase the risk of cardiovascular events. However, this result is not critical and does not need to be reported immediately to the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice C.
Choice A rationale
While immunizations are important for preventing many diseases, they are not typically associated with vertical transmission. Vertical transmission refers to the transmission of a disease or condition from mother to child during the period immediately before and after birth.
Choice B rationale
Feeding an infant spoiled food can potentially lead to foodborne illnesses, but it is not associated with diseases that are vertically transmitted.
Choice C rationale
Breastfeeding is a common method of vertical transmission. Certain infections in the mother can be passed to the infant through breast milk. Therefore, if a 2-month-old infant contracts a disease that could be transmitted vertically, it would be important to investigate if the mother could be the source of the infection.
Choice D rationale
While mosquito bites can transmit certain diseases, such as malaria or Zika virus, this is not considered a form of vertical transmission. Vertical transmission specifically refers to the transmission of diseases from mother to child during the period immediately before and after birth.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
While reminding drivers to wear seatbelts is important for overall road safety, it does not directly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school.
Choice B rationale
Advising residents to keep their porch lights on can improve visibility during hours of low light. However, this measure may not significantly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school during daylight hours.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging residents to have their homes inspected for high lead levels is important for overall community health, but it does not directly impact the safety of children walking to and from school.
Choice D rationale
Facilitating a discussion about the advantages of having designated safe houses located throughout the school neighborhood can significantly enhance the safety of children walking to and from school. Safe houses can provide a secure place for children to go if they feel threatened or in danger while walking to or from school.
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