A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a patient who is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
Platelets 60,000/mm (150,000 to 400,000/mm)
Ammonia 55 mcg/dL (10 to 80 mcg/dL)
Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L (0 to 34 units/L)
Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL) .
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A.
Choice A rationale
A platelet count of 60,000/mm is significantly lower than the normal range of 150,000 to 400,000/mm. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting, and a low count can increase the risk of bleeding, which is a serious concern for a patient scheduled for a liver biopsy. Therefore, the nurse should report this value to the provider.
Choice B rationale
An ammonia level of 55 mcg/dL falls within the normal range of 10 to 80 mcg/dL1. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is converted to urea in the liver for excretion. Normal levels do not typically pose a concern for liver biopsy.
Choice C rationale
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver. An AST level of 34 units/L is at the upper limit of the normal range (0 to 34 units/L)1. While it’s
important to monitor, it does not necessarily need to be reported to the provider before a liver biopsy if there are no other signs of liver disease.
Choice D rationale
A bilirubin level of 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL)1. Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells and is processed by the liver. Normal levels indicate that the liver is functioning properly in this regard.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it’s important to prepare for a colonoscopy by cleaning out the colon, drinking full liquids until 6 hours before the procedure may not be recommended. The colon needs to be empty to allow the doctor to view it clearly during the colonoscopy. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B rationale
Moderate sedation is often used during a colonoscopy. This means you’ll be relaxed and somewhat drowsy, but you’ll still be awake. You might not remember much about the actual procedure because of the sedative. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice C rationale
During a colonoscopy, you will likely start by lying on your left side. However, you may be asked to adjust your position during the procedure to allow the doctor to better examine certain parts of your colon. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D rationale
Warming the liquid bowel preparation before drinking it is not typically recommended. The bowel preparation involves drinking a solution that helps clear out the colon, but it doesn’t need to be warmed. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Starting chest compressions is not the first action to take when a client’s cardiac monitor shows ventricular tachycardia. While chest compressions are a part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), they are not the initial response to ventricular tachycardia.
Choice B rationale
Immediate defibrillation is the priority action when a client’s cardiac monitor shows ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia is a life-threatening condition where the heart
beats too fast to effectively pump blood to the body. Defibrillation delivers an electrical shock to the heart, which aims to restore a normal heart rhythm.
Choice C rationale
Providing pulmonary ventilation is not the first action to take when a client’s cardiac monitor shows ventricular tachycardia. While ventilation is important, it is not the immediate priority in this situation.
Choice D rationale
Checking for a palpable pulse is not the first action to take when a client’s cardiac monitor shows ventricular tachycardia. While it is important to assess the client’s pulse, the priority is to restore a normal heart rhythm through defibrillation.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.