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 B
Explanation
Answer and explanation The correct answer is B. Choice A rationale
Fitting a prosthetic device requires specialized knowledge and skills that a home health aide may not possess. This task should be performed by a healthcare professional with appropriate training.
Choice B rationale
Evaluating the need for an elevated toilet seat involves assessing the client’s mobility and safety in the bathroom, tasks that a home health aide could perform under the supervision of a nurse.
Choice C rationale
Performing a sterile dressing change is a complex task that requires specific nursing knowledge and skills. It should not be delegated to a home health aide.
Choice D rationale
Assessing a pressure sore involves making judgments about the client’s skin integrity and the effectiveness of treatment strategies. This is a nursing responsibility and should not be delegated to a home health aide.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer and explanation The correct answer is C. Choice A rationale
While applying antibiotic ointment to the sores might help prevent infection, it does not address the underlying issue causing the sores and poor healing.
Choice B rationale
Although a diet rich in nutrients can promote wound healing, it is not the most immediate need for this client. The client’s symptoms suggest a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.
Choice C rationale
The client’s symptoms of pale, bluish feet and sores on both lower extremities that are healing poorly suggest a severe and untreated medical condition, possibly related to circulation or skin integrity. Therefore, the nurse should refer the client to a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation.
Choice D rationale
Sending the client to the emergency department for treatment might be necessary in some cases, but it is more appropriate to first refer the client to a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation.
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