For a client with diabetes mellitus, which new lab finding is the greatest concern?

Potassium 5.0 mEq/L.

Creatinine 4.4 mg/dL.

Hemoglobin 10.7 g/dL.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) 22 mg/dL.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason
A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. While this level should be monitored, especially in the context of diabetes where the patient may be at risk for hyperkalemia due to potential kidney issues, it is not immediately alarming¹.

Choice B Reason
A creatinine level of 4.4 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. This indicates severe renal impairment or kidney failure, which is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Immediate intervention is required to address this critical issue¹.

Choice C Reason
A hemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for adults, which is generally 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for males and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for females. This could indicate mild anemia, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as immediately concerning as a high creatinine level¹.

Choice D Reason
A Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level of 22 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is typically between 7 and 20 mg/dL. This level does not indicate immediate concern and is not as critical as the elevated creatinine level¹.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice a reason:
For individuals with Crohn's disease, eating three large meals may not be the best approach as it can overwhelm the digestive system. Smaller, more frequent meals are often recommended to ease the digestion process and better manage symptoms.

Choice b reason:
Drinking water during meals can help with digestion, but there is no specific requirement to limit it to ten ounces. Adequate hydration is important, but the amount should be tailored to individual needs and tolerances.

Choice c reason:
Choosing coffee over cola is not necessarily beneficial for Crohn's disease management. Both beverages can potentially irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and individuals with Crohn's disease are often advised to limit caffeine and carbonated drinks.

Choice d reason:
Increasing protein intake can be beneficial for clients with Crohn's disease, especially if they have experienced weight loss or malnutrition due to their condition. Protein is essential for healing and repair of tissues, and maintaining adequate protein levels is important for overall health.

A. This problem may be related to the medications that are prescribed. B. An ophthalmic examination should be scheduled to evaluate the symptoms. C. Blurred vision is a common problem associated with hypertension. D. Clients who have hypertension are at risk for brain tumors.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason
While some medications for hypertension can cause visual side effects, it is not the most immediate concern when a patient reports blurred vision. Medication-related side effects are important to consider, but they typically present consistently rather than intermittently.

Choice B Reason
An ophthalmic examination is crucial for evaluating intermittent blurred vision in a client with hypertension. Hypertension can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, where high blood pressure causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially resulting in blurred vision or vision loss. An eye exam can help diagnose this condition and prevent further complications.

Choice C Reason
Blurred vision can indeed be associated with hypertension, particularly in severe cases or hypertensive crises. However, it is not considered a 'common' problem but rather a sign of potential end-organ damage, such as hypertensive retinopathy, which requires prompt medical evaluation.

Choice D Reason
The risk of brain tumors is not directly associated with hypertension. While hypertension is a risk factor for certain conditions like stroke, it is not typically linked with an increased risk of brain tumors. This choice might cause unnecessary alarm without a clinical basis.

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For a client with diabetes mellitus, which new lab finding is the greatest concern?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client who is diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Which statement made by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? "I will:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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