The adult client has had serum electrolyte levels drawn. The nurse receiving the results by telephone from the laboratory would be most concerned with which of the following results?
1. Sodium level, 142 mEq/L
2. Chloride level, 103 mEq/L
3. Potassium level, 5.4 mEq/L
4. Bicarbonate level, 24 mEq/L
3
Rationale: The normal adult ranges of serum electrolyte levels are sodium, 136 to 145 mEq/L; potassium, 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L; chloride, 98 to 106 mEq/L; and bicarbonate (venous), 22 to 30 mEq/L. The only abnormal value identified above is the serum potassium level, which would be the one of most concern to the nurse because of potential cardiac arrhythmias.
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