A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
WBC 13,000/mm3
Potassium 3.7 mEq/L
Hgb 20 g/dL
Iron 150 mcg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
A. WBC 13,000/mm3 is slightly elevated and might indicate an infection, but it is not critically high in the context of COPD. The nurse should still monitor the client for signs of infection but is unlikely to require immediate intervention.
B. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not require reporting.
C. Hgb 20 g/dL is elevated and should be reported. High hemoglobin levels can indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or other conditions related to chronic hypoxia, which is common in COPD. This value is above the normal range (12–18 g/dL for adults) and requires further evaluation.
D. Iron 150 mcg/dL is within the normal range (50–170 mcg/dL for adults) and does not require reporting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Take an extra dose of insulin lispro prior to aerobic exercise." This is incorrect. Exercise can increase insulin sensitivity, meaning the client may need to reduce the dose of short-acting insulin (such as insulin lispro) before exercise to avoid hypoglycemia. The nurse should not recommend taking an "extra" dose of insulin prior to exercise.
B. "Draw up the insulin lispro and insulin glargine in separate syringes." This is correct. Insulin lispro (a rapid-acting insulin) and insulin glargine (a long-acting insulin) should never be mixed in the same syringe. Insulin glargine is acidic, and mixing it with other insulins can alter its action and effectiveness.
C. "Expect insulin glargine to be cloudy." This is incorrect. Insulin glargine should be clear and colorless. If insulin glargine appears cloudy, it may indicate that the insulin is expired or has been improperly stored.
D. "Anticipate that the insulin glargine will peak in 3 hours." This is incorrect. Insulin glargine has no pronounced peak. It provides a steady release of insulin over 24 hours and is designed to be taken once daily.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Allow the antiseptic to dry before puncturing.: This is correct. It is important to allow the antiseptic (such as alcohol) to dry before puncturing the skin. If the antiseptic is not allowed to dry, it can cause hemolysis of the blood sample and lead to inaccurate glucose readings.
B. Apply sterile gloves.: This is incorrect. While gloves should be worn to maintain hygiene and safety, non-sterile gloves are sufficient for a capillary blood glucose test. Sterile gloves are not necessary unless the procedure requires aseptic technique.
C. Hold the lancet at a 45° angle.: This is incorrect. The lancet should be held at a 90° angle to the skin to ensure a proper and clean puncture.
D. Massage the client's finger away from the puncture site.: This is incorrect. The finger should not be massaged before or after the puncture site because it can cause tissue damage and lead to inaccurate blood samples due to the mixing of interstitial fluid with the blood sample.
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