A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for surgery this morning. Which of the following results will cause the nurse to place a call to the surgical team?
Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mm)
Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL (106.1 umol/L)
Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)
Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L)
The Correct Answer is A
A. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is below the normal range (typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Abnormal potassium levels can affect cardiac function, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), especially if the potassium level drops further or if there is rapid fluctuation. This is a critical finding that requires immediate attention from the surgical team to assess the client's cardiac status and determine if potassium replacement is needed before proceeding with surgery.
B. Creatinine levels are used to assess kidney function. A creatinine level of 1.2 mg/dL is within the normal range (typically 0.6-1.2 mg/dL). While kidney function is important to evaluate before surgery, this result is not immediately concerning enough to require an urgent call to the surgical team.
C. Hemoglobin levels are assessed to evaluate oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. A hemoglobin level of 14.8 g/dL is within the normal range (typically 12-16 g/dL for women and 13-18 g/dL for men). This result indicates adequate oxygen-carrying capacity and does not require immediate communication with the surgical team.
D. Sodium levels are important for fluid balance and nerve function. A sodium level of 134 mEq/L is within the normal range (typically 135-145 mEq/L). While sodium levels should be monitored, this result is not critically abnormal and does not necessitate an urgent call to the surgical team.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hypophosphatemia refers to low levels of phosphate in the blood. In prerenal AKI, phosphate levels are typically normal or even elevated due to reduced kidney function and impaired phosphate excretion. Therefore, hypophosphatemia is not expected in prerenal AKI.
B. Hypernatremia refers to high levels of sodium in the blood. In prerenal AKI, sodium levels can be elevated due to reduced kidney function and impaired ability to excrete sodium. This occurs because the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating sodium balance. Therefore, hypernatremia is a possible electrolyte imbalance in prerenal AKI.
C. Hypercalcemia refers to high levels of calcium in the blood. In prerenal AKI, calcium levels are usually normal or decreased due to various factors, including reduced renal excretion of calcium. Therefore, hypercalcemia is not typically seen in prerenal AKI.
D. Hyperkalemia refers to high levels of potassium in the blood. In prerenal AKI, hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte imbalance. Normally, the kidneys play a critical role in potassium excretion. Reduced kidney function in prerenal AKI can lead to impaired potassium excretion, resulting in elevated potassium levels in the blood.
Correct Answer is ["28"]
Explanation
(Volume in mL * Drop Factor) / Time in minutes.
Volume is 1,000 mL, the drop factor is 10 gtt/mL, and the time is 6 hours.
First, convert the hours into minutes (6 hours * 60 minutes/hour = 360 minutes). Then, multiply the volume by the drop factor (1,000 mL * 10 gtt/mL = 10,000 gtt).
Finally, divide this number by the total time in minutes (10,000 gtt / 360 minutes ≈ 27.78
gtt/min).
Rounding to the nearest whole number, the nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver 28 gtt/min.
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