The nurse is reviewing the patient's laboratory results. Which ...

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The nurse is reviewing the patient's laboratory results. Which result must be communicated to the physician immediately?
 
  a. Serum chloride level 85 mEq/L
  b. Serum sodium level 134 mEq/L
  c. Serum potassium level 6.8 mEq/L
  d. Serum magnesium level 2.3 mEq/L

Question 2

The nurse will be caring for a patient who is severely malnourished. Laboratory test results show that the patient's albumin level is critically low. What assessment finding will the nurse expect to note when meeting with the patient?
 
  a. The patient has generalized 3+ pitting edema.
  b. The patient is confused and disoriented.
  c. The patient's urine is dark and very concentrated.
  d. The patient lung sounds are very diminished.

[Pariscourtney]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Normal serum potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L is very high and puts the patient at risk for cardiac arrhythmias. The potassium level should be reported to the physician immediately.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The patient's low albumin level will lead to generalized pitting edema because there isn't enough protein in the blood to keep water within the bloodstream. Lack of oncotic pressure from low serum albumin leads to edema.

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TYSM

[bigcheese9]

Excellent