The nurse is reviewing pre-operative laboratory studies of an adult client on a medical-surgical unit. Which result should be reported to the physician immediately?

Sodium, 152 mEq/L

Potassium, 3.8 mEq/L

Calcium, 10.0 mg/dL

Creatinine, 1.2 mg/dL

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:
Sodium levels in the blood should normally be between 135 and 145 mEq/L. A level of 152 mEq/L is considered high and can be indicative of hypernatremia, which requires prompt medical attention to address potential dehydration, kidney issues, or other underlying conditions.

Choice B Reason:
Potassium levels should be within the range of 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L for adults. A result of 3.8 mEq/L falls within the normal range, indicating no immediate concern regarding potassium levels.

Choice C Reason:
Calcium levels in the blood are typically between 8.6 and 10.2 mg/dL for adults. Therefore, a calcium level of 10.0 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not require urgent reporting to a physician.

Choice D Reason:
Creatinine levels in the blood should be between 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL in adults, depending on factors such as age, gender, and muscle mass. A level of 1.2 mg/dL is at the higher end of the normal range but is not typically considered critical unless there are other signs of kidney dysfunction.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Decreasing intake of vitamin K-rich foods is not recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis. Vitamin K is essential for bone health because it helps in the synthesis of proteins required for bone formation and mineralization. A deficiency in vitamin K can lead to weakened bone structure and increased risk of fractures. Foods rich in vitamin K include green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli, which should be a part of a balanced diet aimed at preventing osteoporosis.

Choice b reason:
Reducing sodium intake can be beneficial for bone health. Excessive sodium consumption can cause calcium loss through urine, which may contribute to bone demineralization and increase the risk of osteoporosis. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams a day and moving toward an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.

Choice c reason:
Avoiding carbonated soda, especially those containing phosphoric acid, is advisable for osteoporosis prevention. Some studies suggest that phosphoric acid in soda can leach calcium from bones and decrease calcium absorption, potentially weakening bones and increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Choice d reason:
Limiting caffeinated beverages is a prudent step in preventing osteoporosis. Caffeine can interfere with calcium absorption and lead to its increased excretion in urine. It is generally recommended to limit caffeine intake to about 400 mg per day, equivalent to around four 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee.

A. Positive pregnancy test B. Hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL and Hematocrit 32% C. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1c) 7.5% D. Serum Cholesterol 237 mg/dL

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
A positive pregnancy test is crucial information that must be reported immediately as it has significant implications for the patient's health and treatment options. Pregnancy can impact the results of a Schilling's test, which is used to diagnose B12 deficiency anemia, as pregnancy itself can cause changes in B12 metabolism. Therefore, the healthcare provider must be informed to adjust the diagnostic approach and ensure the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Choice B Reason:
While a hemoglobin level of 9.5 g/dL is below the normal range for adult females (11.6 to 15 g/dL) and a hematocrit of 32% is at the lower end of the normal range (36% to 44%)[^10^], these results are consistent with anemia but are not as immediately critical as a positive pregnancy test in the context of a Schilling's test.

Choice C Reason:
A glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level of 7.5% is above the normal range (4% to 5.9%), indicating poor blood sugar control over the past two to three months, which could suggest diabetes or prediabetes. However, this is not as urgent as a positive pregnancy test when considering the administration of a Schilling's test.

Choice D Reason:
A serum cholesterol level of 237 mg/dL is considered borderline high (200 to 239 mg/dL), which may increase the risk of heart disease over time. However, this does not require immediate reporting in the context of a Schilling's test for B12 deficiency anemia as compared to a positive pregnancy test.

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The nurse is reviewing pre-operative laboratory studies of an adult client on a medical-surgical unit. Which result should be reported to the physician immediately?

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