FREE LPN Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions Questions and Answers

Question 1

An LPN is reviewing the morning labs for a patient and notes a serum potassium level of 6.1 mEq/L. What is the LPN's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the RN or healthcare provider

Answer

A potassium level of 6.1 mEq/L is critically high (hyperkalemia) and places the patient at risk for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. The LPN's priority is to immediately report this finding to the RN or healthcare provider for urgent intervention.

Question 2

A patient receiving warfarin has an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 4.8. The LPN should recognize this value as being:

Accepted Answer

Above the therapeutic range, indicating a risk of bleeding

Answer

The therapeutic range for INR for a patient on warfarin is typically 2.0 to 3.0. An INR of 4.8 is significantly elevated above the therapeutic range, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. The nurse should hold the next dose and notify the provider.

Question 3

A patient's complete blood count (CBC) shows a hemoglobin level of 7.5 g/dL. Which clinical manifestation would the LPN expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue and shortness of breath

Answer

Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A low hemoglobin level (anemia) results in decreased oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, shortness of breath, and tachycardia as the body tries to compensate.

Question 4

An LPN notes a patient's white blood cell (WBC) count is 18,000/mm³. The LPN interprets this finding as most likely indicating:

Accepted Answer

Infection

Answer

The normal WBC count is typically between 4,500 and 11,000/mm³. An elevated WBC count, known as leukocytosis, is a common physiological response to infection or inflammation as the body increases its production of infection-fighting cells.

Question 5

A patient with diabetes mellitus has a fingerstick blood glucose reading of 58 mg/dL and is reporting feeling shaky and dizzy. What is the LPN's first nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Provide the patient with 4 ounces of orange juice

Answer

A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL with symptoms indicates hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further decline. The first action is to provide a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as 15 grams of glucose (e.g., 4 oz of juice or regular soda), to quickly raise the blood sugar level.

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

FREE LPN Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions Questions and Answers