LPN Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions 2

Question 1

A patient's serum potassium is 6.2 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

Accepted Answer

Muscle weakness and peaked T waves on ECG

Answer

Polyuria and polydipsia

Answer

Hypertension and headache

Answer

Dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor

Question 2

A patient's INR is 4.8 while on warfarin therapy. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Hold the next warfarin dose and notify the provider

Answer

Administer the scheduled warfarin dose as ordered

Answer

Increase dietary vitamin K intake

Answer

Apply compression stockings

Question 3

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum phosphorus of 6.8 mg/dL. Which dietary teaching is appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Limit dairy products, nuts, and processed foods

Answer

Increase consumption of whole grains and legumes

Answer

Encourage high-protein foods like red meat

Answer

Increase dairy intake to balance calcium levels

Question 4

A patient's arterial blood gas shows pH 7.30, PaCO2 28 mmHg, HCO3 13 mEq/L. How should the LPN interpret this?

Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation

Answer

Respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation

Answer

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Question 5

A patient has a serum sodium of 128 mEq/L. Which symptom would the LPN expect?

Accepted Answer

Headache, confusion, and nausea

Answer

Extreme thirst and dry mouth

Answer

Bradycardia and hypertension

Answer

Muscle cramps and peaked T waves

Question 6

A patient's troponin I level is markedly elevated at 2.8 ng/mL. What condition does this most strongly indicate?

Accepted Answer

Acute myocardial infarction

Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Deep vein thrombosis

Answer

Pericarditis

Question 7

A patient on heparin therapy has an aPTT of 120 seconds (normal 25-35 sec). What is the correct nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Hold heparin and notify the provider immediately

Answer

Continue the infusion at the current rate

Answer

Increase the heparin infusion rate

Answer

Administer protamine sulfate without an order