Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions Flashcards
7 cards from real LPN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions flashcards as text
A patient's serum lithium level is 2.2 mEq/L. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer: Hold lithium, notify the provider, and monitor for toxicity signs
Lithium toxicity occurs above 1.5 mEq/L; a level of 2.2 mEq/L is severely toxic and requires immediate intervention to prevent seizures and cardiac dysrhythmias.
A patient's serum ammonia level is significantly elevated. Which condition does the LPN associate this with?
Answer: Hepatic encephalopathy
The liver normally converts ammonia to urea; in hepatic failure, ammonia accumulates and crosses the blood-brain barrier causing encephalopathy.
A patient's CBC shows MCV of 115 fL and hypersegmented neutrophils. What nutritional deficiency is most likely?
Answer: Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Macrocytosis (MCV >100 fL) with hypersegmented neutrophils is the hallmark of megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 or folate deficiency.
A patient's serum creatinine rises from 0.9 mg/dL to 2.8 mg/dL over 48 hours post-contrast CT scan. What condition does this suggest?
Answer: Contrast-induced nephropathy (acute kidney injury)
A rapid rise in creatinine within 48-72 hours after contrast administration indicates contrast-induced acute kidney injury.
A patient receiving TPN has a blood glucose of 310 mg/dL. What is the most appropriate nursing action?
Answer: Notify the provider and anticipate an insulin order
Hyperglycemia during TPN requires provider notification to adjust insulin coverage; abruptly stopping TPN can cause rebound hypoglycemia.
A patient's serum phosphorus is 1.5 mg/dL. Which condition places the patient at greatest risk for this finding?
Answer: Malnutrition and refeeding syndrome
Hypophosphatemia is a hallmark of refeeding syndrome, where carbohydrate administration drives phosphorus into cells, depleting serum levels in malnourished patients.
A patient's ECG shows a prolonged PR interval and widened QRS complex. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely responsible?
Answer: Hyperkalemia
Severe hyperkalemia progressively widens the QRS and prolongs the PR interval, which can deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation if untreated.