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 A
Explanation
A. "Productive cough with pink, frothy sputum": This is a concerning finding that should prompt immediate notification to the provider. It is indicative of pulmonary edema, which can occur with left-sided heart failure as fluid backs up into the lungs. Pink, frothy sputum is a classic sign of this condition and requires urgent intervention.
B. "Weight loss of 1 kg (2.2 lB. in the past 24 hr": Weight loss is generally not a primary concern in left-sided heart failure. In fact, weight loss could be a result of fluid loss from diuretics or other interventions. A small weight change like this is not likely to be significant unless the client shows signs of dehydration or malnutrition.
C. "Fatigue when ambulating 152 m (500 ft)": Fatigue with activity is common in clients with left-sided heart failure, as reduced cardiac output and impaired oxygenation of tissues can cause fatigue during exertion. However, this is not an acute finding that would require immediate intervention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Assign clients to the remaining staff is not the first action. The nurse should address the suspected impairment of the staff member before assigning clients to others.
B. Call the supervisor to ask for another nurse is not the first action. While notifying the supervisor is important, the nurse should first ensure that the impaired nurse is removed from direct client care to prevent any potential harm to clients.
C. Remove the nurse from the client care area is correct. The first priority is to ensure that the nurse who may be impaired is not caring for clients to ensure client safety.
D. Document objective findings about the situation is important but not the first step. The immediate priority is ensuring the safety of clients by removing the nurse from the care area. Documentation can follow after ensuring client safety.
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