The nurse is reviewing serum laboratory values for a client who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Which value requires the nurse to promptly notify the surgeon?

Serum glucose of 118 mg/dL

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 16 mg/dL

Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L

Serum potassium of 3.9 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Serum glucose of 118 mg/dL: This value is slightly above the normal range but not critically elevated; it does not typically require immediate notification to the surgeon.
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 16 mg/dL: This BUN level is within the normal range and does not suggest an immediate concern for surgical risk.
C. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L: A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to serious complications including neurological symptoms and should be addressed prior to surgery.
D. Serum potassium of 3.9 mEq/L: This level is within the normal range and does not require immediate action related to surgery.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Furosemide (Lasix): This is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention and does not address the symptoms related to calcium imbalances.
B. Diazepam (Valium): This is an anxiolytic and does not address the symptoms associated with hypocalcemia following a thyroidectomy.
C. Calcium gluconate: This is the appropriate medication for treating hypocalcemia, which can occur after a thyroidectomy due to potential damage to or removal of parathyroid glands, leading to symptoms such as abdominal cramping and irregular heart rate.
D. Calcitonin: While this hormone helps regulate calcium levels, it is more commonly used to treat hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia.

A. Respiratory acidosis without compensation B. Metabolic acidosis with full compensation C. Respiratory acidosis with partial compensation D. Metabolic acidosis without compensation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis without compensation: The pH of 7.22 indicates acidosis, but the HCO3 level of 23 mEq/L suggests that compensation is occurring because the HCO3 is within the normal range for respiratory acidosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis with full compensation: The high PaCO2 level is more indicative of respiratory issues, not metabolic acidosis. Additionally, compensation for metabolic acidosis would show elevated HCO3.
C. Respiratory acidosis with partial compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and low pH indicate respiratory acidosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests partial compensation by the kidneys.
D. Metabolic acidosis without compensation: The elevated PaCO2 and normal HCO3 suggest respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic acidosis.

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The nurse is reviewing serum laboratory values for a client who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow. Which value requires the nurse to promptly notify the surgeon?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An unresponsive client was brought to the emergency room and had an arterial blood gas drawn. Ten minutes later, the laboratory calls with the following results: PaO2 74%, pH 7.22, PaCO2 85 mm Hg, and HCO3 23 mEq/L. The nurse interprets the results as indicating which imbalance?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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