A patient’s lab results are as follows: BUN level is 8 mg/dL, Hemoglobin is 15 g/dL, Hematocrit is 47%, WBC count is 9,000/mm, Platelet count is 140,000/mm, Creatinine is 1.3 mg/dL, Bilirubin is 20 mg/dL, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is 36 units/L, and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is 40 units/L. What actions should be taken?
Implement seizure precautions.
Check deep tendon reflexes every hour.
Review the daily logs of the patient.
Obtain a prescription for methyldopa.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Implementing seizure precautions is not necessary based on these lab results. Seizure precautions are typically implemented for patients with a known seizure disorder or those who are at risk for seizures, such as patients with severe preeclampsia or eclampsia, neither of which can be diagnosed based on these lab results.
Choice B rationale
Checking deep tendon reflexes every hour is not indicated based on these lab results. This action is typically taken for patients with altered neurological status or those receiving certain medications that can affect muscle tone.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing the daily logs of the patient is a good practice in general to monitor the patient’s progress and response to treatment. However, it is not a specific action that should be taken based on these lab results.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a prescription for methyldopa is not indicated based on these lab results.
Methyldopa is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, and there is no indication from these lab results that the patient has high blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Cervical dilation is a key sign that a patient is in labor. As labor progresses, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Other signs of labor can include regular contractions, rupture of membranes (amniotic fluid present in the vaginal vault), and changes in vaginal discharge.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for an adult, and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice B rationale
A Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) of 158 beats per minute is within the normal range (110-160 beats per minute) and would not typically be a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
While a persistent headache can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, it is not typically a reason to report to the healthcare provider when a patient is receiving magnesium sulfate to manage pre-eclampsia.
Choice D rationale
A urinary output of 40 mL in 2 hours is less than the normal range (at least 30 mL/hour). This could indicate kidney dysfunction, which is a serious complication of pre-eclampsia. Therefore, this observation should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.