A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking amitriptyline. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?
Hct 44%
WBC count 5,000/mm3
Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
Total bilirubin 1.5 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Hct 44% is incorrect. A hematocrit (Hct) level of 44% falls within the normal range for most adults. It represents the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not typically concerning unless it significantly deviates from the normal range, indicating anemia or polycythemia.
Choice B Reason:
WBC count 5,000/mm3 is incorrect. A white blood cell (WBC) count of 5,000/mm3 falls within the normal range for adults, reflecting a normal immune response. There's usually no cause for immediate concern unless there are specific clinical symptoms or significant deviations from the normal range.
Choice C Reason:
Potassium 4.2 mEq/L is incorrect. A potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range for serum potassium levels. It's crucial to monitor potassium levels, especially with medications that can affect electrolyte balance, but this value falls within the typical range and may not prompt immediate action unless there are notable fluctuations or clinical symptoms related to potassium imbalance.
While the majority of the laboratory values provided fall within the normal range, the value that the nurse should consider reporting to the provider, particularly when a client is taking amitriptyline, is:
Choice D Reason:
Total bilirubin 1.5 mg/dL is correct. Elevated levels of total bilirubin might indicate potential liver function impairment. Amitriptyline, an antidepressant, can affect liver enzymes in some individuals, causing hepatic changes. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor liver function tests, including total bilirubin, during amitriptyline therapy. An increase in bilirubin levels could signal hepatotoxicity or liver dysfunction related to the medication.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Hypomagnesemia is incorrect. Lithium therapy itself is not a direct cause of hypomagnesemia. While exercise can affect magnesium levels to some extent, it's not a primary electrolyte imbalance that is typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
Choice B Reason:
Hypocalcemia is incorrect. Similarly, lithium therapy is not a direct cause of hypocalcemia. Exercise can affect calcium metabolism, but it's not a primary electrolyte imbalance typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
When a client taking lithium begins a new exercise program, the nurse should primarily assess for the risk of:
Choice C Reason:
Hyponatremia is correct. Lithium can affect the body's regulation of sodium, and excessive sweating due to increased exercise can lead to sodium loss. This combination can potentially contribute to the development of hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Therefore, when a client on lithium starts a new exercise regimen that may induce sweating, monitoring for signs of hyponatremia becomes crucial. Symptoms of hyponatremia can include confusion, headaches, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or coma.
Choice D Reason:
Hypokalemia is incorrect. Lithium itself does not commonly cause hypokalemia. Exercise can lead to potassium loss through sweating, but hypokalemia is not the primary electrolyte imbalance typically associated with lithium use or considered a significant concern specifically due to lithium.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Remove duplicate medications of different dosages from the reconciliation is incorrect. Removing duplicate medications with different dosages from the reconciliation is indeed essential. However, the primary focus during transfer is to compare the current medication list with the new regimen to avoid omissions or discrepancies in the transition process.
Choice B Reason:
Compare the current list of medications to medications the client will receive after transform is correct. Comparing the current list of medications, the client is taking to the medications they are expected to receive after transfer is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition of care. This process helps identify discrepancies, potential interactions, or changes in the medication regimen between settings, ensuring the continuity and accuracy of medication administration.
Choice C Reason:
Omit over-the-counter medications from the at-home medication list is incorrect. Over-the-counter medications should ideally be included in the medication reconciliation process to provide a comprehensive overview of all medications the client is taking, including potential interactions with prescribed medications.
Choice D Reason:
Include medications the client received in the acute setting but will no longer need after transfer is incorrect. The reconciliation process should aim to update the medication list to reflect the client's current and future medication needs accurately. Including medications, the client received in the acute setting but won't need after transfer might introduce unnecessary medications into the new regimen. These should be communicated but not included in the ongoing medication list.
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