The nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings for a 34-year-old woman who is scheduled for a Schilling's test for B12 deficiency anemia. Which result should the nurse report immediately to the primary care provider?
Positive pregnancy test
Hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL and Hematocrit 32%
Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1c) 7.5%
Serum Cholesterol 237 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Assessing capillary refill and the color of the extremity is essential for determining the vascular status of the limb. A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds and indicates good blood flow. The color should be consistent with the rest of the body, without pallor or cyanosis, which could indicate compromised circulation.
Choice b reason:
Checking pedal pulses is another critical aspect of assessing vascular integrity. The presence of strong and equal pulses in both feet suggests that the blood supply to the lower extremities is not compromised.
Choice c reason:
While the ACE wrap and Velcro boot are part of the postoperative management to provide support and protection to the affected limb, and hanging weights might be used for traction, these are not part of the physiological assessment of the extremity.
Choice d reason:
Monitoring pin sites for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, is crucial in a client with ORIF. Infection can lead to complications that may affect the healing process and the integrity of the fixation.
Choice e reason:
Evaluating the temperature, sensation, and movement of toes helps in assessing for potential nerve damage or compartment syndrome. Any changes in these parameters should be reported immediately as they may signify serious complications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
While some medications for hypertension can cause visual side effects, it is not the most immediate concern when a patient reports blurred vision. Medication-related side effects are important to consider, but they typically present consistently rather than intermittently.
Choice B Reason
An ophthalmic examination is crucial for evaluating intermittent blurred vision in a client with hypertension. Hypertension can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, where high blood pressure causes damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially resulting in blurred vision or vision loss. An eye exam can help diagnose this condition and prevent further complications.
Choice C Reason
Blurred vision can indeed be associated with hypertension, particularly in severe cases or hypertensive crises. However, it is not considered a 'common' problem but rather a sign of potential end-organ damage, such as hypertensive retinopathy, which requires prompt medical evaluation.
Choice D Reason
The risk of brain tumors is not directly associated with hypertension. While hypertension is a risk factor for certain conditions like stroke, it is not typically linked with an increased risk of brain tumors. This choice might cause unnecessary alarm without a clinical basis.
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