Nursing Leadership And Management Practice Questions Related

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

  • A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
  • B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
  • C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
  • D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium 5.8 mEq/L. In hypovolemia, there is a decrease in blood volume leading to electrolyte imbalances. Potassium levels outside the normal range can be life-threatening, causing cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is a priority to report to the provider for prompt intervention.

Rationale for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: BUN within the normal range. It may indicate dehydration but not immediately life-threatening.
C: Creatinine slightly elevated, indicating kidney function impairment but not as critical as potassium imbalance.
D: Sodium within acceptable range, not an immediate concern in hypovolemia.