Which laboratory test would be the priority for a hypertensive patient taking a thiazide diuretic?
1. Magnesium
2. Calcium
3. Chloride
4. Potassium
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: Sodium and potassium are the electrolytes of most concern. A patient on thiazide diuretics should be monitored for hypokalemia.
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A hospital laboratory technician is performing routine blood analysis as part of an inpatient's assessment and is examining the sample in a test tube following processing in a centrifuge and the addition of an anticoagulant
Which of the following observations would the technician most likely interpret as an anomaly? A) The bottom layer of blood in the tube accounts for around one third of the total volume. B) The middle layer of cells appears white to gray in color. C) The top layer of cells is too thin to visualize without microscopy. D) The yellowish fluid on the top of the sample appears to constitute around one half of the total volume.
Where does most digestion of protein begin?
a. Mouth b. Stomach c. Small intestine d. Large intestine
The nurse is caring for a patient on mechanical ventilation with positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP). When assessing the patient, which finding would indicate the possibility of tension pneumothorax?
1. new onset of absent breath sounds over the right lung 2. blood pressure of 170/80 3. pulse oximetry readings ranging from 94% to 96% 4. crackles and wheezing heard in both lungs
Which laboratory test is the best indicator of a patient in need of TPN?
A) hemoglobin B) hematocrit C) serum albumin D) creatinine