The nurse cares for a client who is a pale and reports frequent fatigue, weakness and dizziness. Which serum laboratory test result is the nurse’s priority for planning care?
RBCs 4.3mEq/L
Potassium 4.8 mEq/L
Hemoglobin of 9g/dl
Sodium 137 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
A) RBCs 4.3 million/µL:
While a low RBC count can indicate anemia, the specific value provided here is not suggestive of anemia, and it does not explain the patient's symptoms of fatigue, weakness, and dizziness as clearly as a low hemoglobin would.
B) Potassium 4.8 mEq/L:
This result is not concerning and does not directly relate to the patient's reported symptoms of pallor, fatigue, and dizziness. Therefore, this lab result does not take priority in planning care at this time.
C) Hemoglobin of 9 g/dl:
This result is consistent with anemia, which is a likely cause of the patient’s symptoms of fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and pallor. Anemia can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, explaining the symptoms the patient is experiencing. The priority action for the nurse should be to address the underlying cause of anemia and manage it to improve the patient’s oxygenation and overall condition.
D) Sodium 137 mEq/L:
Although sodium imbalances can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion or lethargy, the patient’s reported symptoms of pallor, fatigue, and dizziness are more likely related to anemia. Sodium is not the most urgent concern for this patient at the moment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Given:
Desired dose: Dextromethorphan 30 mg PO
Available concentration: Dextromethorphan oral liquid 75 mg/5 mL
To find:
Volume to administer (in mL)
Step 1: Set up the proportion
We can use the following proportion to solve the problem:
(Desired dose) / (Available concentration) = Volume to administer
Step 2: Substitute the values
Plugging in the given values, we get:
(30 mg) / (75 mg/5 mL) = Volume to administer
Step 3: Simplify
To simplify, we can invert the denominator and multiply:
(30 mg) x (5 mL / 75 mg) = Volume to administer
The "mg" units cancel out, leaving us with:
(30 x 5 mL) / 75 = Volume to administer
Step 4: Calculate
Performing the multiplication and division, we get:
150 mL / 75 = Volume to administer
2mL = Volume to administer
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. You will need to return in 48-72 hours to have the test read:
This statement is correct. The purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test, also known as the tuberculin skin test (TST), must be read within 48-72 hours after administration. If the test is not read within this timeframe, the results may not be valid, and the test may need to be repeated. The test evaluates the presence of induration (swelling) at the injection site, which indicates a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to the tuberculosis antigen.
B. A positive skin test will mean you need to have a follow-up chest x-ray:
This statement is correct. A positive PPD skin test indicates exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacteria that causes tuberculosis). However, a positive result does not necessarily mean the person has active tuberculosis. A follow-up chest x-ray is typically recommended to determine whether active TB disease is present. The chest x-ray helps to assess for signs of active infection, such as lung lesions.
C. "Induration of greater than or equal to 10 millimeters means you have been exposed":
This statement is correct. In the context of a PPD skin test, induration (raised area of the skin) of 10 millimeters or more is generally considered a positive result, indicating exposure to tuberculosis. However, the exact threshold for what is considered positive can vary based on individual risk factors. A positive test means the person has been exposed to the tuberculosis bacteria, but it does not confirm active disease.
D. "Induration of greater than or equal to 10 millimeters means you have active tuberculosis":
This statement is incorrect. A positive PPD skin test result indicates exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but it does not confirm active tuberculosis (TB) infection. The induration reflects prior exposure or latent infection. To determine if the individual has active TB, additional diagnostic tests such as a chest x-ray, sputum cultures, and possibly a molecular test are required. A positive PPD result does not differentiate between latent TB infection and active TB disease.
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