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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for four clients. Which of the following results is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

WBC 11,000/mm² in a client who is starting treatment for a methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection.

Serum pH 7.25 in a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Hematocrit 26% in a client who has sickle cell disease.

Urine specific gravity 1.032 in a client who is diagnosed with dehydration.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:
An elevated WBC count (11,000/mm²) in a client starting treatment for MRSA infection may indicate an inflammatory response, but it is expected in this scenario, and the priority is not as high as other critical lab values.
Choice B rationale:
A serum pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common complication that can lead to metabolic acidosis. This lab result is a priority as it requires immediate attention.
Choice C rationale:
Hematocrit of 26% in a client with sickle cell disease might be low, but it is not the priority over the critically abnormal lab value of serum pH in option B.
Choice D rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.032 in a client diagnosed with dehydration is elevated, indicating concentrated urine due to dehydration. While dehydration is concerning, it is not as high-priority as the potentially life-threatening acidosis in option B.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Answer: A. Administer furosemide.

Rationales

A. Administer furosemide.
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, helps reduce fluid overload by promoting urinary excretion of sodium and water. In a client with cirrhosis and ascites, it decreases abdominal distention, eases breathing by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, and prevents complications related to severe fluid accumulation.

B. Weigh the client weekly.
Weekly weights would not provide sufficient monitoring for a client with ascites, since fluid retention can change rapidly within hours or days. Daily weights are necessary to detect subtle increases in fluid status and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

C. Offer the client a high-sodium diet.
A high-sodium diet would worsen fluid retention and ascites, as sodium promotes water retention. Instead, a low-sodium diet is indicated to limit further fluid buildup in the peritoneal cavity.

D. Administer heparin.
Heparin is not a standard intervention for cirrhosis with ascites. Because the diseased liver produces fewer clotting factors, clients are already at risk for bleeding, and anticoagulant therapy would heighten this risk without addressing the underlying problem of fluid accumulation.

A. The client's daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) measures 85% above personal best. B. The client's ABGs show a pH level of 7.32. C. The client's forced expiratory volume is decreased after treatment with medication. D. The client's wheezing is limited to expiratory.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The client's daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) measures 85% above personal best.

Choice A rationale:

Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist used to treat asthma. Improvement in the client's daily peak expiratory flow (PEF) of 85% above their personal best indicates effective bronchodilation and better asthma control.

Choice B rationale:

ABGs showing a pH level of 7.32 are not indicative of the effectiveness of salmeterol. ABG values assess the client's acid-base balance and gas exchange, but they do not directly reflect the action of the medication.

Choice C rationale:

A decrease in forced expiratory volume after treatment with medication indicates a lack of response to the therapy, not an effective outcome. It suggests the medication is not adequately controlling the client's asthma symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Wheezing limited to expiration is not a clear indicator of medication effectiveness. Wheezing can be present in various respiratory conditions and is not solely associated with asthma control. Exhibit. The correct answer is choice B: Increase the rate of the infusion by 160 units/hr.

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for four clients. Which of the following results is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is planning care for a client who has long-term liver cirrhosis and a new diagnosis of abdominal ascites. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care to prevent complications?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Answer: A. Administer furosemide.

Rationales

A nurse is assessing a client who takes salmeterol to treat moderate asthma. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the ABGs of a client who has pneumonia. The nurse should identify which of the following findings is an indication of respiratory acidosis.

A nurse is assessing a client's ability to adapt to a new colostomy. Which of the following client statements indicates to the nurse the client is adapting?

A nurse is completing an admission assessment of a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a stage 2 pressure injury?

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A nurse is caring for several clients who are at risk of developing a pressure injury. Which of the following clients is most at risk?

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A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute kidney failure after a surgical procedure. Telemetry monitoring shows a widened QRS, frequent premature ventricular contractions, and a heart rate of 55/min. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse identify?

A nurse in the emergency department is preparing to irrigate the eyes of a client who received a chemical splash on their face. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?