The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client. Which result should the nurse identify as the priority finding?
Sodium 138 mEq/L
Potassium 3.2 mEq/L
Glucose 110 mg/dL
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Sodium 138 mEq/L is normal (135–145 mEq/L), indicating no immediate concern. Abnormal sodium levels risk neurological or cardiac issues, but this value is normal, making it a lower priority compared to an abnormal potassium level, which poses immediate cardiac risks.
Choice B reason: Potassium 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (normal 3.5–5.0 mEq/L), risking arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and respiratory compromise. Low potassium disrupts membrane potential, affecting cardiac and skeletal muscle function, making this the priority finding requiring immediate correction to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice C reason: Glucose 110 mg/dL is within normal fasting range (70–110 mg/dL), indicating no urgent concern. Abnormal glucose levels risk metabolic issues, but this value is normal, making it a lower priority compared to hypokalemia, which poses immediate cardiac risks in this client.
Choice D reason: Hemoglobin 12 g/dL is borderline low (normal 13–17 g/dL males, 12–15 g/dL females) but not immediately life-threatening. Anemia may cause fatigue, but hypokalemia’s cardiac risks are more urgent, making hemoglobin a secondary priority in this laboratory review.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking the UAP to reassess delays accurate assessment by a qualified nurse. Pulse 122 and BP 98/72 suggest tachycardia and hypotension, requiring professional validation and intervention, making this less appropriate than direct nurse reassessment and provider notification.
Choice B reason: Reassessing the client validates vital signs (pulse 122, BP 98/72), indicating tachycardia and hypotension, possibly from hypovolemia or sepsis. Accurate nurse assessment ensures reliable data for diagnosis, preventing complications like shock, making this a critical action in this scenario.
Choice C reason: Notifying the provider is essential, as tachycardia (pulse 122) and hypotension (BP 98/72) suggest serious conditions like hypovolemia or sepsis. Prompt reporting ensures timely interventions, such as fluids or diagnostics, preventing deterioration, making this necessary alongside reassessment.
Choice D reason: Sitting the client up may improve breathing but does not address tachycardia and hypotension, which suggest hypovolemia or other issues. These vital signs require reassessment and provider notification to diagnose and treat the cause, making positioning less urgent.
Correct Answer is ["0.7"]
Explanation
Step 1 is (144 lbs ÷ 2.2) Result = 65.45 kg (rounded to 65.5 kg for dosing precision)
Step 2 is (0.01 mg × 65.5 kg) Result = 0.655 mg
Step 3 is rounding 0.655 to the nearest tenths place Result = 0.7 mg
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