Exhibits
The nurse is reviewing the physician orders. Which of the following physician’s orders requires priority attention from the nurse? Select all that apply.
Basic metabolic panel
Echocardiogram
CT scan of abdomen
Blood cultures times 2 sets
Chest X-ray
Place on continuous cardiac monitor
CBC
12 lead EKG
Correct Answer : F,H
a) Basic metabolic panel: This is a blood test that measures the levels of electrolytes, glucose, calcium, and kidney function. It is not a priority order for this client because her glucose level is within the normal range and her symptoms are not indicative of electrolyte imbalance or kidney failure.
b) Echocardiogram: This is a test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart and its valves, chambers, and blood flow. It is not a priority order for this client because her chest discomfort may not be related to a cardiac problem and her SpO2 is normal, indicating adequate oxygenation.
c) CT scan of abdomen: This is a test that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the organs and structures in the abdomen. It is not a priority order for this client because her abdominal pain is not severe or acute and her nausea and poor appetite may be due to her illness or dialysis.
d) Blood cultures times 2 sets: This is a test that checks for the presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood. It is not a priority order for this client because she does not have signs of infection such as fever, chills, or leukocytosis.
e) Chest X-ray: This is a test that uses X-rays to create images of the lungs and chest wall. It is not a priority order for this client because she does not have respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or wheezes.
f) Place on continuous cardiac monitor: This is an order that requires the nurse to attach electrodes to the client's chest and monitor the heart rate and rhythm continuously. This is a priority order for this client because she has a history of CAD and HTN and reports chest discomfort and lightheadedness, which could indicate a possible myocardial infarction (heart attack) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
g) CBC: This is a blood test that measures the number and types of blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is not a priority order for this client because she does not have signs of anemia, bleeding, or infection.
h) 12 lead EKG: This is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart from 12 different angles. It can detect abnormalities in the heart's rhythm, conduction, or damage. This is a priority order for this client because she has a history of CAD and HTN and reports chest discomfort and lightheadedness, which could indicate a possible myocardial infarction (heart attack) or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because teaching the client to wear a mask, hand wash, and social distance is not the most important action for the nurse to take. These are preventive measures that should be followed by everyone, regardless of their COVID-19 status.
Choice B reason: This is correct because isolating the client from other clients, family, and healthcare workers not wearing proper PPE is the most important action for the nurse to take. This is to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to others who may be at risk of severe complications or death.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because reporting the COVID-19 result to the local health department according to CDC guidelines is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a legal and ethical obligation that should be done after confirming the diagnosis, but it does not have an immediate impact on the client's health or safety.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because explaining to the client to inform others that they may have been potentially exposed in the last 14 days is not the most important action for the nurse to take. This is a moral and social responsibility that should be done as soon as possible, but it does not address the urgent need of isolating the client from potential sources of infection.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication that binds to excess potassium in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It is used to treat hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, and it is a common complication of AKI. Therefore, this medication should be administered first to lower the potassium level and prevent life-threatening complications.

Choice B reason: Sevelamer is a medication that binds to phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It is used to treat hyperphosphatemia, which is a high level of phosphorus in the blood. Hyperphosphatemia can cause bone loss and soft tissue calcification, and it is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Choice C reason: Calcium acetate is a medication that also binds to phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract and removes it from the body through feces. It has the same effect and indication as sevelamer, but it also provides calcium supplementation. However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
Choice D reason: Epoetin alfa, recombinant is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is used to treat anemia, which is a low level of hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath, and it is a common complication of CKD and AKI. However, it is not an urgent issue in AKI, and it does not affect the potassium level.
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