LPN Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions 5

Question 1

A patient's serum lithium level is 2.2 mEq/L. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Hold lithium, notify the provider, and monitor for toxicity signs

Answer

Administer the next scheduled dose to maintain therapeutic levels

Answer

Encourage the patient to drink less fluid

Answer

Document and continue to monitor every 8 hours

Question 2

A patient's serum ammonia level is significantly elevated. Which condition does the LPN associate this with?

Accepted Answer

Hepatic encephalopathy

Answer

Renal tubular acidosis

Answer

Diabetic nephropathy

Answer

Pulmonary hypertension

Question 3

A patient's CBC shows MCV of 115 fL and hypersegmented neutrophils. What nutritional deficiency is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency

Answer

Iron deficiency

Answer

Vitamin D deficiency

Answer

Zinc deficiency

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Contrast-induced nephropathy (acute kidney injury)

Answer

Normal response to IV contrast dye

Answer

Pre-renal azotemia from dehydration only

Answer

Chronic kidney disease exacerbation

Question 5

A patient receiving TPN has a blood glucose of 310 mg/dL. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the provider and anticipate an insulin order

Answer

Stop the TPN infusion immediately

Answer

Slow the TPN rate by half without notifying the provider

Answer

Recheck glucose in 4 hours with no immediate action

Question 6

A patient's serum phosphorus is 1.5 mg/dL. Which condition places the patient at greatest risk for this finding?

Accepted Answer

Malnutrition and refeeding syndrome

Answer

Chronic kidney disease

Answer

Hypoparathyroidism

Answer

Vitamin D toxicity

Question 7

A patient's ECG shows a prolonged PR interval and widened QRS complex. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely responsible?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hyponatremia

Answer

Hypocalcemia

Answer

Hypomagnesemia