Editing Reduction of Risk Potential – LPN Practice Questions (section)

==Question 15==
The nurse reviews the morning laboratory report for four assigned clients. Which value should be reported to the registered nurse first?
# Hemoglobin 11.6 g/dL in a client with chronic anemia
# Serum sodium 138 mEq/L
# Serum potassium 6.2 mEq/L in a client with chronic kidney disease
# Fasting blood glucose 122 mg/dL in a client with type 2 diabetes

'''Answer:''' Option 3. Serum potassium 6.2 mEq/L in a client with chronic kidney disease.

''Rationale:'' The normal potassium range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L, and a value of 6.2 mEq/L is dangerous hyperkalemia that can cause fatal cardiac dysrhythmias, so it is reported first. Option 1 is a mildly low hemoglobin consistent with a known chronic condition. Option 2 is normal. Option 4 is mildly elevated and expected in diabetes; it is documented and reported routinely, not urgently.

[[Category:Reduction of Risk Potential]]
[[Category:Licensed Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN)]]
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