The nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a patient with an abdominal enterocutaneous fistula. Which of the following values would cause the nurse the most concern about the status of the patient?
1. white blood cell count 9.000
2. serum sodium level 142 mEq/dL
3. serum potassium level 3.2 mEq/dL
4. fasting blood glucose level 100 mg/dL
3
Rationale: The patient with an enterocutaneous fistula is at risk for developing hypovolemia and serum electrolytes imbalances to include hypokalemia and hypocholoremia. The serum potassium level is low and should cause the nurse the most concern about the status of the patient. The other laboratory values are either normal or near normal for the patient's status.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is performing a focused interview with an elderly client. The client says, "My mouth is always so dry. Sometimes, I feel like my tongue has grooves in it."
The nurse inspects the client's tongue and discovers that it is red and dry with the presence of furrows. Based on the client's most likely condition, the nurse expects to learn which of the following? Standard Text: Select all that apply. 1. Serum glucose level is 232 mg/dL. 2. White blood cells 32,000 mm3. 3. The client states, "I take Lasix every morning because I have some heart problems.". 4. The client states, "I have diabetes but I don't check my blood sugar levels as often as I should.". 5. Platelets 92,000 mm3.
A client presented for a pre-op appointment. At the appointment, the wife states that the husband has been giving her the cold shoulder ever since the surgery was scheduled. The nurse knows this behavior to be:
a. denial c. passive-aggressive b. defensive d. hidden agenda
The _________________ is a nurse with advanced education who assists the surgeon with the surgical procedure, performing a combination of nursing and delegated medical functions and/or skills
Fill in the blanks with correct word
The nurse has been working with a patient who has adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Which finding would permit the nurse to accurately evaluate that the crisis has been resolved?
a. Absence of presenting symptoms b. Decreased need for medications c. Increased socialization with peers d. Significant increase in the patient's appetite