The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a patient scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon?
Blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L).
Serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L).
Hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L).
Potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L).
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
A blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice B rationale
A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L) is significantly elevated, indicating impaired kidney function. This is a critical lab value that should be reported to the surgeon immediately, as it could impact the patient’s ability to safely undergo surgery and recover postoperatively.
Choice C rationale
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice D rationale
A potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The absence of coarse crackles is not necessarily an indication that chest physiotherapy (CPT) has been effective for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Coarse crackles are often heard in conditions where there is fluid in the airways, such as pneumonia or heart failure. While their absence might indicate that there is no fluid in the airways, it does not necessarily mean that secretions have been effectively mobilized.
Choice B rationale
An increase in breath sounds is a good indication that chest physiotherapy (CPT) has been effective for a client with COPD3. CPT is a group of therapies designed to improve respiratory efficiency, promote expansion of the lungs, strengthen respiratory muscles, and eliminate secretions from the respiratory system. When these secretions are effectively mobilized and removed, breath sounds can become clearer and more easily heard.
Choice C rationale
The absence of fine crackles is not necessarily an indication that CPT has been effective for a client with COPD. Fine crackles are often heard in conditions where there is fluid in the airways or alveoli, such as pneumonia or heart failure. While their absence might indicate that there is no fluid in the airways or alveoli, it does not necessarily mean that secretions have been effectively mobilized.
Choice D rationale
An increase in respiratory rate is not necessarily an indication that CPT has been effective for a client with COPD. In fact, an increased respiratory rate could indicate respiratory distress, which could suggest that the therapy has not been effective or that the client’s condition has worsened.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) is providing care to a client with influenza, a respiratory illness that can be transmitted through droplets when the client coughs or sneezes. Therefore, it is crucial for the UAP to wear a face mask while in close contact with the client to prevent the transmission of the virus. This is in line with the standard precautions for infection control, which recommend the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, gowns, and masks when providing care to clients with infectious diseases.
Choice B rationale
Reassigning the UAP to another client and assuming full care of the client is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While it is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure that the UAP is competent and understands the care needs of the client, it is not necessary to reassign the UAP unless there are specific concerns about their ability to provide safe and effective care.
Choice C rationale
While it is important for the UAP to alert the nurse of any changes in the client’s respiratory status, this is not the most immediate action that the nurse should take in this situation. The priority is to ensure that the UAP is wearing appropriate PPE to prevent the transmission of influenza.
Choice D rationale
A fitted respirator mask is typically used when caring for clients with airborne diseases, such as tuberculosis. Influenza is primarily spread through droplets, so a regular face mask is usually sufficient for protection.
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