A nurse is reviewing the diagnostic test results of an older adult female client who is preoperative for a knee arthroplasty. The nurse should notify the surgeon of which of the following results?
Hematocrit 40%
Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
WBC count 20,000/mm3
Potassium 3.8 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
A. A hematocrit of 40% is within the normal range for females, which is typically around 37-47%. This result is not concerning and does not typically require immediate notification to the surgeon.
B. A creatinine level of 0.9 mg/dL is within the normal range for adults (normal range varies slightly among laboratories but is generally around 0.5-1.1 mg/dL). This result indicates normal kidney function and does not require immediate notification.
C. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 20,000/mm3 is elevated above the normal range, which is typically between 4,500-11,000/mm3. An elevated WBC count could indicate infection or inflammation. Given the client is preoperative, an elevated WBC count may suggest an underlying infection that needs to be addressed before proceeding with surgery. The nurse should notify the surgeon promptly so appropriate evaluation and management can be initiated.
D. A potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (normal range is generally 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). This result is not concerning and does not require immediate notification to the surgeon.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Completing an incident report may be necessary if the refusal could potentially impact patient care or if there are policies or procedures in place that require documenting such incidents. It helps to document the details of the refusal and any subsequent actions taken.
B. If the AP refuses to take the specimen, the nurse may need to take responsibility for ensuring the specimen is delivered to the laboratory promptly. This ensures that patient care activities are not delayed and that necessary diagnostic tests are performed in a timely manner.
C. Reporting the refusal to the charge nurse or supervisor is appropriate, especially if there are concerns about the AP's behavior or if it is part of the facility's policy to escalate such incidents. The charge nurse can then address the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
D. Communicating with the AP to understand their concerns is essential. It allows the nurse to clarify any misunderstandings, address any issues or barriers the AP may have, and potentially resolve the situation collaboratively. It's important to listen to the AP's perspective and provide clarification or reassurance if needed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process where the nurse collects data about the client's health status, including medical history, current symptoms, and potential allergies. During the assessment phase, the nurse should specifically ask the client about any known allergies to medications, foods, or other substances. This information is crucial for ensuring patient safety during diagnostic testing and any subsequent treatments.
B. The planning phase involves developing a care plan based on the assessment data gathered. While the nurse does consider potential allergies during this phase when planning interventions and care strategies, the primary focus is on creating a plan that addresses the client's specific needs and goals.
C. Implementation is the phase where the nurse carries out the interventions outlined in the care plan. If the client has allergies identified during the assessment phase, the nurse must ensure that these allergies are communicated to the healthcare team and that appropriate precautions are taken during diagnostic testing and any procedures or treatments.
D. Evaluation is the final phase of the nursing process where the nurse assesses the client's response to interventions and determines the effectiveness of the care plan. Although allergies are primarily addressed in the assessment phase, the nurse continues to monitor for allergic reactions throughout the client's care and promptly addresses any concerns that arise.
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