The nurse is reviewing the diagnostic studies on a client diagnosed with primary brain cancer. Which lab result would the nurse report to the Primary Care Practitioner (PCP) immediately?
|
Electrolyte |
Normal Value Range |
|
Serum sodium |
135-145 mEq/L |
|
Serum chloride |
97-107 mEq/L |
|
Serum potassium |
3.5-5:3 mEq/L |
|
Serum magnesium |
1.6-2.2 mg/dL |
|
Total serum calcium |
8.2-10.2 mg/dL |
|
lonized calcium |
4.6-5.3 mg/dL |
|
Serum phosphorus |
2.5-4.5 mg/dL |
|
Serum osmolality |
275-295 mOsm/kg |
|
Urine osmolality |
250-900 mOsm/kg |
Magnesium 2.0 mEq/L
Sodium 126 mEq/L
Potassium 3.5 mEq/L
Calcium 10 mg/L
The Correct Answer is B
A. Magnesium at 2.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (1.6-2.2 mg/dL) and does not require immediate intervention.
B. A serum sodium level of 126 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to neurological complications, particularly in patients with brain cancer. Immediate reporting is necessary to manage potential risks such as seizures or altered mental status.
C. A potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L is on the lower limit of normal (3.5-5.3 mEq/L) but is still considered acceptable and does not require urgent action.
D. Calcium at 10 mg/L is an incorrect unit for this context, as total serum calcium is typically measured in mg/dL, and 10 mg/dL falls within the normal range (8.2-10.2 mg/dL).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Stomatitis is a common side effect of radiation therapy for oral cancer, and while it requires management, it is not immediately life-threatening.
B. Stridor indicates potential airway obstruction, which is a critical and urgent condition that requires immediate intervention, making it the greatest concern among the options presented.
C. Nausea is a typical side effect of cancer treatment but is usually manageable and not considered an immediate threat.
D. Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is another common side effect of radiation to the head and neck, but it is not as urgent as the risk of airway compromise indicated by stridor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While no episodes of diarrhea may be beneficial, it is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of ondansetron, which is used primarily to prevent nausea and vomiting.
B. Maintaining a normal hemoglobin level is not an expected outcome related to ondansetron, as it does not influence blood counts.
C. The ability to tolerate oral fluid intake indicates that the client is managing nausea effectively, demonstrating that ondansetron is working as intended.
D. Hair loss is a common side effect of many chemotherapeutic agents, and ondansetron does not affect this outcome. Therefore, it is not an appropriate indicator of the medication's effectiveness.
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