A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a newly admitted school-age child who has a fever. The nurse should identify which of the following laboratory results is an indication of an infection and should be reported to the charge nurse immediately.
Urine osmolality 500 mOsm/kg.
WBC 17,500/mm3.
BUN 12 mg/dL.
Urine specific gravity 1.014.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Urine osmolality 500 mOsm/kg. Urine osmolality is a measure of urine concentration and is not a reliable indicator of infection. It reflects the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and can vary based on hydration status and other factors. An elevated urine osmolality could suggest dehydration, not necessarily infection.
Choice B rationale:
WBC 17,500/mm3. This is the correct choice. An elevated white blood cell count (WBC) is a hallmark sign of infection. The body's immune response to an infection often includes an increase in WBC count, particularly the neutrophil count. This elevation is known as leukocytosis and is a red flag for infection.
Choice C rationale:
BUN 12 mg/dL. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) measures kidney function and hydration status. While an elevated BUN can indicate dehydration, it is not a specific marker for infection. BUN levels can be influenced by various factors, including diet and renal function.
Choice D rationale:
Urine specific gravity 1.014. Urine-specific gravity reflects the concentration of solutes in urine and the kidney's ability to concentrate or dilute urine. While changes in urine specific gravity can indicate dehydration or overhydration, it is not a direct indicator of infection. An infection is better detected through changes in WBC count and other clinical signs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A 15-year-old client who requests testing for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is seeking healthcare related to sexual health, which is often considered confidential. In many jurisdictions, minors of a certain age (often 12 or older) have the legal right to consent to STI testing and treatment without parental consent. While education on sexual health and responsible decision-making is important, in this case, the nurse may not need to involve the parent if the legal requirements are met.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Minors generally require parental consent for medical procedures, including biopsies. A biopsy involves a medical intervention that can carry risks, and it is important to have informed parental consent for procedures on underage clients.
Choice C rationale:
A 16-year-old client who requires prenatal care for pregnancy is not applicable in this scenario. Prenatal care is focused on managing the health and well-being of a pregnant individual and their developing fetus. The question does not provide information that suggests this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A 13-year-old client who requests contraception advice may have the right to access contraception services without parental consent, depending on local laws and regulations. Many places allow minors to access contraception services confidentially, recognizing the importance of sexual health and preventing unintended pregnancies. However, it's always important for healthcare providers to assess each situation and the applicable legal framework to determine whether parental involvement is required.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Iron 100 mcg/dL The normal range for serum iron levels can vary based on age and gender, but typically, a range of 50 to 150 mcg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 100 mcg/dL falls within this range and is not a cause for concern. Elevated iron levels can be indicative of hemochromatosis or other disorders, but this value is not concerning.
Choice B rationale:
Hemoglobin 8 g/dL Hemoglobin levels can vary by age and gender, but in general, a hemoglobin level of 8 g/dL is low and suggestive of anemia, a condition characterized by a reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Anemia can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms, and the nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium 140 mEq/L The normal range for serum sodium levels is typically around 135 to 145 mEq/L. The provided value of 140 mEq/L falls within this normal range and is not a cause for concern. Deviations from this range can indicate various conditions, including dehydration or overhydration, but this value is within an acceptable range.
Choice D rationale:
Calcium 9 mg/dL The normal range for serum calcium levels can vary, but generally, a range of 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL is considered normal. The provided value of 9 mg/dL falls within this range and is not significantly abnormal. Abnormal calcium levels can be indicative of various conditions, including thyroid disorders or kidney problems, but this value is not concerning.
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