A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a preschooler during a well-child visit. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider?
Iron 100 mcg/dL.
Hemoglobin 8 g/dL.
Sodium 140 mEq/L.
Calcium 9 mg/dL.
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Decrease daily oral fluid intake. Rationale: This choice is not appropriate for a client experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. In this crisis, there is a risk of dehydration due to increased fluid loss, and decreasing oral fluid intake would exacerbate this issue. Adequate hydration is important to prevent further sickling of red blood cells and maintain organ perfusion.
Choice B rationale:
Maintain bed rest to prevent hypoxemia. Rationale: This is the correct choice. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, blood flow to certain tissues is restricted, leading to tissue hypoxia and pain. Bed rest is recommended to reduce metabolic demands and oxygen consumption, helping to prevent further tissue damage and improve oxygenation. It also reduces the risk of complications such as thrombosis and respiratory compromise.
Choice C rationale:
Apply cold compresses to painful joints. Rationale: Applying cold compresses is not a recommended intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Cold can exacerbate vasoconstriction and further compromise blood flow to the affected tissues. Warm compresses or warm baths might be more appropriate to promote vasodilation and alleviate pain.
Choice D rationale:
Administer meperidine to eliminate a fever. Rationale: Administering meperidine solely to eliminate a fever is not the primary focus of care for a vaso-occlusive crisis. The priority is to manage pain and improve tissue perfusion. Meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can be used to manage severe pain associated with sickle cell crises, but it should be given with caution due to the risk of respiratory depression and the potential for addiction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pain following range-of-motion exercises is a significant finding that should be reported to the provider. It could indicate the possibility of complications, such as further injury or impaired healing. Adolescents with fractured bones are often encouraged to perform range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness and promote circulation. However, increased pain during or after these exercises could indicate problems like muscle strain or improper alignment of the fracture, which need to be addressed promptly.
Choice B rationale:
Pruritus (itching) under the cast is common and can be expected due to the accumulation of dead skin cells and sweat. While it can be uncomfortable for the client, it's not an urgent concern that requires immediate reporting to the provider. Strategies to alleviate itching, such as using a cool blow dryer under the cast, can be taught to the client.
Choice C rationale:
The presence of swelling while the extremity is dependent is a normal response to gravity and is not an alarming finding. Swelling when the extremity is dependent is expected, especially within the initial stages of fracture healing. It suggests that the blood supply is reaching the area for healing purposes. Elevation and rest can help reduce the swelling.
Choice D rationale:
Coolness of the toes could be due to reduced blood flow, but this finding alone may not be an immediate concern. It's essential to consider the client's overall circulation, capillary refill, and presence of pulses. If other signs of impaired circulation, such as pallor or delayed capillary refill, are present along with coolness, it might indicate compromised vascular supply. However, based on the information provided, this choice is not as urgent as reporting pain following range-of-motion exercises.
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