The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. Which result is most important for the nurse to report to the surgeon? Reference Range
Glucose [74 to 106 mg/dL (4.1 to 5.9 mmol/L)] Creatine [0.5-1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 μmol/L)]
Potassium (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)] Hemoglobin [16 to 18 g/dL (160 to 180 g/L)]
Blood glucose of 90 mg/dl. (5 mmol/L).
Potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L)
Hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L).
Serum creatinine of 5 mg/dL (442 pmol/L).
The Correct Answer is D
A. A blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL is within the normal reference range of 74 to 106 mg/dL, so it is not a concern.
B. A potassium level of 4 mEq/L is also within the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L, so it does not need to be reported.
C. Although the hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL is below the reference range provided, it is not critically low and may not be urgent unless the patient has symptoms of anemia or other related issues.
D. A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal reference range of 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL. This indicates renal impairment, which could affect the patient's ability to clear medications used during surgery and could lead to postoperative complications. Therefore, it is crucial to report this finding to the surgeon immediately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Demonstrating how to palpate the popliteal pulse is not a suitable alternative for measuring blood pressure when the client cannot be measured in the arms or legs. Palpating peripheral pulses does not provide accurate blood pressure measurements.
B. Advising the UAP to document the last blood pressure obtained is insufficient because it does not address the need for current blood pressure monitoring. Documentation of past
measurements does not provide real-time information about the client's hemodynamic status.
C. Estimating the blood pressure by assessing the pulse volume of the client's radial pulses is a reasonable alternative when traditional blood pressure measurement sites are inaccessible. Although not as accurate as traditional methods, assessing the strength of peripheral pulses can provide valuable information about perfusion and blood pressure status.
D. Documenting why the blood pressure cannot be accurately measured is important for record- keeping but does not address the need for ongoing blood pressure monitoring or provide an alternative method for assessment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Administer aspirin to prevent further clot formation and platelet clumping. While aspirin may be indicated in the treatment of ischemic stroke, it is not the immediate priority. The client requires further assessment and diagnostic evaluation before initiating specific treatments.
B. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment.
Positioning the client is important for maintaining airway patency, but it is not the priority when assessing and managing acute stroke. Immediate interventions to address potential thrombolytic therapy take precedence.
C. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction. Continuous observation is important for monitoring the client's neurological status, but it is not the first action to take. The client requires urgent diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis and
determine eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.
D. Start two large bore IV catheters and review inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy. This is the priority action. IV access is crucial for administering medications and fluids, and reviewing the inclusion criteria for IV fibrinolytic therapy is essential to determine if the client meets the
criteria for this time-sensitive intervention.
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