A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has beers taking a medication that can cause hepatoxicity. Which of the following data should the nurse report to the provider?
HbA1C 5.9%
Albumin 3.8 g/dl
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 67 units/l
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 39 units/l
The Correct Answer is C
Here is the rationale for each choice:
A. HbA1C 5.9%: HbA1C is a measure of long-term glucose control in patients, often used in diabetes management. A value of 5.9% is slightly above the normal range (4–5.7%) but does not indicate hepatotoxicity.
B. Albumin 3.8 g/dl: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver, and its levels can reflect liver function. A normal range is 3.5–5 g/dl, and 3.8 g/dl falls within this range. Thus, it does not indicate hepatotoxicity.
C. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 67 units/l: ALT is an enzyme primarily found in the liver and is a key marker for liver injury. The normal range for ALT is approximately 7–56 units/l. A value of 67 units/l is slightly elevated, which may suggest mild liver damage or hepatotoxicity. This result should be reported to the provider, as it could be associated with the medication’s impact on the liver.
D. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 39 units/l: AST is another enzyme used to evaluate liver function, though it is less specific to the liver than ALT, as AST is also found in other tissues such as the heart and muscles. The normal range for AST is roughly 10–40 units/l.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Sodium 126 mEq/L: This value indicates hyponatremia, which can cause confusion, seizures, and fluid imbalance. Normal sodium levels are 135-145 mEq/L, so this is a critical finding.
B. Chloride 99 mmol/L: This is within the normal range (96-106 mmol/L), so it is not concerning.
C. Albumin 4.9 mg/dL: Normal albumin levels are 3.5-5.0 mg/dL, so this value is within range.
D. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L: Normal potassium levels are 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. This value is on the lower end but still within normal limits.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Tachypnea and hypotension: Tachypnea means fast breathing, but the client has slow breathing.
B. Tachypnea and hypertension: Tachypnea (fast breathing) and hypertension (high blood pressure) do not match the client’s symptoms.
C. Bradypnea and hypertension: Bradypnea (slow breathing) is correct, but hypertension (high BP) is incorrect because the client has low BP (hypotension).
D. Bradypnea and hypotension: Bradypnea means slow breathing, and hypotension means low blood pressure, both of which match the symptoms of a drug overdose (e.g., opioid overdose).
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