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

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Hepatic encephalopathy

Answer

The liver normally converts ammonia to urea; in hepatic failure, ammonia accumulates and crosses the blood-brain barrier causing encephalopathy.

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

Macrocytosis (MCV >100 fL) with hypersegmented neutrophils is the hallmark of megaloblastic anemia caused by B12 or folate 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

A rapid rise in creatinine within 48-72 hours after contrast administration indicates contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

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

Hyperglycemia during TPN requires provider notification to adjust insulin coverage; abruptly stopping TPN can cause rebound hypoglycemia.

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse Practice Test

LPN Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions 5