The nurse observes that a client is experiencing melena.Which serum laboratory test should the nurse monitor in response to this finding?
White blood cell count (WBC).
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
Hematocrit.
Glucose.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
White blood cell count (WBC) is typically monitored to assess for signs of infection or inflammation. While it’s important to monitor WBC count in certain situations, such as suspected infection, melena itself is not directly indicative of an increased risk of infection.
Choice B rationale
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels can be elevated in cases of gastrointestinal bleeding due to the breakdown of blood proteins in the gut. However, BUN is not the primary test to monitor in response to melena.
Choice C rationale
Hematocrit is the correct answer. Hematocrit levels are crucial to monitor in cases of melena because they provide information about the client’s red blood cell volume and can indicate the extent of blood loss.
Choice D rationale
Glucose levels are not directly related to melena. Monitoring glucose levels is essential for managing diabetes and other metabolic conditions but is not relevant to assessing the impact of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking the client to describe any other related symptoms is important for a comprehensive assessment but does not objectively confirm the presence of fever.
Choice B rationale
Placing the dorsum of the hand on the client’s forehead is a quick and practical method to assess for fever. It provides an initial subjective assessment of the client’s temperature before taking an accurate measurement with a thermometer.
Choice C rationale
Using both hands to hold and palpate the client’s hands may help assess for other symptoms such as clamminess or coldness but does not objectively confirm the presence of fever.
Choice D rationale
Lightly pinching a fold of skin over the client’s sternum assesses skin turgor and hydration status but does not objectively confirm the presence of fever.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Restricting activity to bed rest is important but not the most immediate intervention for a client with a high fever and pain during deep palpation.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring urinary output is important but not the most immediate intervention in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Initiating NPO (nothing by mouth) status is crucial to prepare the client for potential surgical intervention, especially if the pain suggests an acute abdominal condition.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining an electrocardiogram is important but not the most immediate intervention for a client with abdominal pain and high fever.
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