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 an annual health fair can provide valuable health screenings and education, it may not be the most critical resource for a rural community.
Choice B rationale
A family planning center can offer important services, but it may not be the most urgent need for the entire community.
Choice C rationale
Access to trauma care is crucial in rural areas where distances to hospitals can be great. Injuries and acute illnesses require immediate attention, and having access to trauma care can significantly improve outcomes.
Choice D rationale
While a plan for weather-related disasters is important, it does not address the everyday healthcare needs of the community.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is B. Perceived susceptibility.
Explanation:
The Health Belief Model (HBM) explains health-related behaviors based on an individual's perceptions. Perceived susceptibility refers to a person's belief about their risk of developing a disease. In this case, the client believes they are not susceptible to the flu, which influences their decision not to get vaccinated.
Why the other options are incorrect:
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A. Perceived barriers – This refers to obstacles preventing someone from taking action, such as cost or fear of side effects. The client did not mention barriers, only their belief that they don’t get the flu.
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C. Perceived severity – This relates to how serious a person believes a condition is. The client did not indicate concern about how severe the flu might be, only that they don’t expect to get it.
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D. Perceived benefits – This focuses on a person’s belief in the effectiveness of an action. The client’s response does not express doubts about the vaccine’s benefits, just their belief that flu prevention is unnecessary for them.
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