Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 21: Problem 16

While the client is taking Digoxin (digitalis), the nurse should check the client's laboratory values. Which laboratory value should be reported to the doctor? A. Sodium level of \(138 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) B. Chloride level of \(98 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) C. Potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) D. Magnesium level of \(1.8 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The value that should be reported to the doctor is the Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L since it falls below the normal range of 3.5-5.1 mEq/L.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the normal ranges of electrolytes

Research the normal ranges of electrolytes in the bloodstream. Here are the common ranges for the given electrolytes: Sodium: \(135-145 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) Chloride: \(96-106 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) Potassium: \(3.5-5.1 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) Magnesium: \(1.7-2.2 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)
02

Identify the abnormal laboratory value

Compare the client's laboratory values with the normal ranges: A. Sodium level of \(138 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls within the normal range (\(135-145 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)). B. Chloride level of \(98 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls within the normal range (\(96-106 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)). C. Potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls below the normal range (\(3.5-5.1 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)). D. Magnesium level of \(1.8 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls within the normal range (\(1.7-2.2 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)).
03

Select the correct answer

The abnormal laboratory value is the potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\), which falls below the normal range, and it should be reported to the doctor. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The obstetric client with blood type AB– is being evaluated in the prenatal clinic. The nurse should be concerned with this finding because: ? A. The infant can suffer from kernicterus. ? B. The mother will probably have hypertension. ? C. The infant will need to be delivered by cesarean section. ? D. The mother will need to have an exchange transfusion.

The nurse is assessing the client for Trousseau's sign. Which finding indicates a positive Trousseau sign? A. Tap cranial nerves 7 and cranial nerve 5 and check for grimacing of the face B. Place a blood pressure cuff on the arm and check for carpopedal spasms when the cuff is inflated C. Check the deep tendon reflexes by tapping the knee D. Monitor the client for nausea when cold water is used to irrigate the ear canal

The client is admitted with Cushing's disease. Which symptoms support the diagnosis of Cushing's disease? A. Hypoglycemia and weight loss B. Increased lymphocytes and pale complexion C. Osteoporosis and a pendulous abdomen D. Decreased blood pressure and cyanosis

The client is admitted with fetal demise. A diagnosis of missed abortion requires that the fetus be evacuated by induction of labor. If the physician uses prostaglandin, the nurse should anticipate that the client will: ? A. Complain of nausea ? B. Become constipated ? C. Need treatment with potassium supplementation ? D. Require that a Foley catheter be inserted

The physician has ordered Terbutaline (Brethine). To ensure correct administration of this medication, the nurse should obtain which of the following? ? A. A 2-inch needle ? B. An 18-gauge needle ? C. A 1-inch needle ? D. A 2.5-inch needle
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Plant Biology

Read Explanation

Biology Experiments

Read Explanation

Ecological Levels

Read Explanation

Biological Organisms

Read Explanation

Reproduction

Read Explanation

Bioenergetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free