The nurse plans to administer the adult client’s prescriptions which are metoprolol, hydrochlorothiazide, enoxaparin and atorvastatin.

The current laboratory values are; Serum potassium 5.2 mmol/L, Platelet Count 98,000/mm, Serum cholesterol 250 mg/dL and Serum Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL.
Which medication should the nurse hold and notify the prescriber?

This is because the nurse’s reply does not address the client’s fear of radiation therapy, but rather provides factual information that may not be relevant or helpful to the client.

The nurse is not using a therapeutic communication technique, such as reflecting, exploring, or validating the client’s feelings.

Instead, the nurse is shutting down the communication and missing an opportunity to learn more about the client’s concerns and needs.

Choice A is wrong because the nurse is not confronting a painful subject, but rather avoiding it.

The nurse is not acknowledging the client’s fear or inviting the client to talk more about it.

Choice C is wrong because the nurse is not recognizing that the client needs information, but rather assuming that the client does.

The nurse is not asking the client what he or she wants to know about radiation therapy, but rather telling the client what he or she should know.

Choice D is wrong because the nurse is not perceiving that the client is ready to hear more about the treatment, but rather imposing information on the client.

The nurse is not assessing the client’s readiness to learn, but rather giving unsolicited advice.

Albumin is a protein that is made by the liver and helps maintain fluid balance in the

body. The normal range for albumin is 3.5 to 5.5 g/dL or 35-55 g/liter. A low albumin level can indicate malnutrition, liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, or other conditions that affect protein synthesis or loss.

A client diagnosed with Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements would be expected to have a low albumin level due to inadequate protein intake or absorption.

Choice A is wrong because hemoglobin = 14.2 g/dL is within the normal range for males, which is 13.2 to 16.6 g/dL.

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. A low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, which can be caused by blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or other conditions that affect red blood cell production or destruction.

Choice B is wrong because potassium = 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range for adults, which is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L.

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve impulses, and muscle contractions. A low potassium level can indicate dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, diuretic use, or other conditions that cause potassium loss. A high potassium level can indicate kidney disease, adrenal insufficiency, acidosis, or other conditions that cause potassium retention.

Choice D is wrong because creatinine = 0.8 mg/dL is within the normal range for adults, which is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL.