LPN Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions 3

Question 1

A patient's BUN is 35 mg/dL and creatinine is 3.2 mg/dL. These values together suggest which condition?

Accepted Answer

Impaired renal function

Answer

Dehydration alone

Answer

Liver failure

Answer

Normal findings in an elderly patient

Question 2

A patient's platelet count is 45,000/mm³. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Implement bleeding precautions and use soft-bristle toothbrush

Answer

Encourage vigorous ambulation to promote circulation

Answer

Apply firm pressure with a hard object to IV sites

Answer

Administer aspirin for any pain complaints

Question 3

A patient's fasting blood glucose is 58 mg/dL and they are diaphoretic and trembling. What should the LPN do first?

Accepted Answer

Give 15-20 g of fast-acting carbohydrates and recheck glucose in 15 minutes

Answer

Administer insulin per sliding scale

Answer

Notify the provider before taking any action

Answer

Offer a full meal immediately

Question 4

A patient's magnesium level is 1.0 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation should the LPN monitor for?

Accepted Answer

Neuromuscular irritability and positive Trousseau's sign

Answer

Lethargy, hyporeflexia, and bradycardia

Answer

Hypertension and flushing

Answer

Constipation and polyuria

Question 5

A post-operative patient's hemoglobin drops from 11 g/dL to 7.2 g/dL within 4 hours. What is the priority assessment?

Accepted Answer

Assess surgical site for active bleeding and vital signs

Answer

Recheck the lab in 2 hours to confirm the result

Answer

Encourage oral iron-rich foods

Answer

Administer erythropoietin as a first response

Question 6

A patient's serum calcium is 11.8 mg/dL. Which symptom is consistent with this lab result?

Accepted Answer

Muscle weakness, constipation, and confusion

Answer

Carpopedal spasm and laryngospasm

Answer

Peaked T waves and muscle cramps

Answer

Tetany and positive Chvostek's sign

Question 7

A patient's WBC is 1,800/mm³. What is the most important nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Implement neutropenic precautions and restrict visitors with illness

Answer

Encourage the patient to increase vitamin C intake

Answer

Place the patient in airborne isolation

Answer

Prepare to administer antibiotics immediately