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 ["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
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Maintaining ideal weight supports health in chronic bronchitis but is not the priority. Excess weight increases respiratory workload, but smoking cessation directly reduces airway irritation and mucus production, slowing disease progression more effectively, making weight maintenance a secondary consideration in management.
Choice B reason: Annual influenza immunization prevents exacerbations in chronic bronchitis by reducing infection risk, which worsens airway inflammation. While important, it is less critical than smoking cessation, which addresses the primary cause of chronic bronchitis, making immunization a supportive, not primary, priority.
Choice C reason: Smoking cessation is the priority in chronic bronchitis, as tobacco smoke causes airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and cilia dysfunction. Stopping smoking halts further damage, slows disease progression, and improves lung function, making it the most critical intervention for long-term management of chronic bronchitis.
Choice D reason: Moderate exercise improves endurance and respiratory muscle strength in chronic bronchitis but is secondary to smoking cessation. Exercise supports symptom management but does not address the root cause—smoking-induced airway damage—making it less critical than cessation, which prevents further bronchial irritation.
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