The nurse places a call to the provider that the 74-year-old patient’s potassium level is 7.1 mEq/dL. The nurse is prepared to answer which questions from the provider? Select all that apply.

“What is the patient’s white blood cell count?” , “What size needle was used to draw the sample?” , “How long was the tourniquet in place prior to the sample being drawn?”. Things that can cause a falsely elevated potassium level include leukocytosis and cell lysis, which can be caused by a too-small needle as well as the tourniquet being in place for an extended period of time. Potassium levels are not affected by elevated aPTT or large amounts of dark, leafy greens in the diet. Lactated ringers contains potassium, which would cause a falsely elevated potassium level if it were infusing distally (not properly) to the venipuncture site.

The nurse places a call to the provider&...

Category: Reduction of Risk Potential
Difficulty: 10

Topics: Communication & Documentation Fluid and Electrolytes Hematology/Oncology Nursing Interventions Acid-Base Health Care Quality Medication and Blood Products

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The patient with diabetes is brought to the emergency department with severe confusion and is unable to follow commands. A point-of-care (POC) glucose measurement reveals a blood sugar of 44 g/dL. The nurse begins a 50 mL infusion of D50W. Which action does the nurse take next?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 5

The 38-year-old patient who strictly adheres to a vegan diet complains of weakness and tingling in her lower extremities. She retains the strength in her lower extremities but proprioception is decreased. Her complete blood count revealed a hemoglobin of 10.2 mg/dL, white blood cell count of 9 x 10³ cells/µL, and a mean corpuscular volume of 110. Which information does the nurse provide to the patient?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 8

At delivery, the neonate is noted to have diffuse purple lesions over the entire body and is taken to the neonatal intensive care unit for further assessment and management. The nurse notes the toes have turned black; pedal pulses are palpable. The nurse anticipates testing will reveal a deficiency in which substance?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 10

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