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
Monitoring leukocytes, neutrophils, and thyroxine is not the most crucial for a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While these lab values can provide information about the patient’s immune function and thyroid function, they do not directly relate to the patient’s renal function.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus levels is crucial for a patient with ESRD. These electrolytes are typically excreted by the kidneys, and their levels can become imbalanced in patients with ESRD. Imbalances can lead to serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias and bone disease.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and hematocrit is important for a patient with ESRD, as these patients often develop anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys. However, these are not the only lab values that should be monitored in these patients.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature is important for all patients, but these are not specific to patients with ESRD. Patients with ESRD are at risk for electrolyte imbalances, which can affect cardiac function, making monitoring of serum potassium, calcium, and phosphorus levels more crucial.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperventilation leads to a decrease in the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. This causes the pH of the blood to increase, resulting in respiratory alkalosis.
Choice B rationale
Respiratory acidosis is caused by a buildup of CO2 in the blood, typically due to hypoventilation (under-breathing). This is not consistent with the patient’s symptoms of hyperventilation.
Choice C rationale
Metabolic alkalosis is typically caused by a significant loss of acid from the body, such as from prolonged vomiting. This is not consistent with the patient’s symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Metabolic acidosis is typically caused by an increase in acid production within the body or a loss of bicarbonate from the body, such as in diabetic ketoacidosis or kidney disease. This is not consistent with the patient’s symptoms.
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