A patient is admitted to the emergency department with severe fatigue and confusion. Laboratory studies are done. Which laboratory value will require the most immediate action by the nurse?
a. Arterial blood pH is 7.32.
b. Serum calcium is 18 mg/dL.
c. Serum potassium is 5.1 mEq/L.
d. Arterial oxygen saturation is 91%.
ANS: B
The serum calcium is well above the normal level and puts the patient at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring and notify the health care provider. The potassium, oxygen saturation, and pH are also abnormal, and the nurse should notify the health care provider about these values as well, but they are not immediately life threatening.
You might also like to view...
The nurse assesses the perineal pad placed on a 3-hour postdelivery patient and finds that there is no lochia on it. What would the nurse expect to find on further assessment? (Select all that apply.)
a. A firm fundus the size of a grapefruit b. A full bladder c. Retained placental fragments d. Vital signs indicative of shock e. A soft, boggy fundus
Why does conflict help generate change? Select all that apply
1. Conflict assists change to occur more rapidly than it would otherwise. 2. It brings more attention to an issue in need of change. 3. People get involved because conflict breeds curiosity. 4. If there is an existing conflict, a change must occur to stop the conflict. 5. Change is inevitable, and some people refuse to change, which causes conflict.
A nurse is bathing a patient who is immunodeficient and has a Cryptococcus infestation. What is the classification of this organism?
a. Bacterium b. Virus c. Fungus d. Protozoa
During a routine physical, the nurse asks the client about alcohol use. The client denies using alcohol. The client reports having alcoholic parents and wonders about the likelihood of becoming an alcoholic as well
What response by the nurse is most correct? 1. "You are right to avoid alcohol use.". 2. "You will likely become an alcoholic.". 3. "There are studies that support a genetic link for developing alcoholism.". 4. "You should be fine to drink.".