ATI PN Adult Medical Surgical 2020 with NGN

ATI PN Adult Medical Surgical 2020 with NGN ( 79 Questions)

A nurse is reviewing laboratory values of a client who has severe dyspnea. Which of the following laboratory values indicates heart failure?



Correct Answer: D

Choice A reason: Potassium 4.0 mEq/L is a normal value for serum potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates nerve and muscle function, cardiac rhythm, and fluid balance. Abnormal levels of potassium can indicate renal dysfunction, dehydration, or acid-base imbalance, but not heart failure.

Choice B reason: Calcium 9.0 mg/dL is a normal value for serum calcium. Calcium is an electrolyte that regulates bone health, muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission. Abnormal levels of calcium can indicate parathyroid dysfunction, vitamin D deficiency, or malignancy, but not heart failure.

Choice C reason: Sodium 140 mEq/L is a normal value for serum sodium. Sodium is an electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function. Abnormal levels of sodium can indicate dehydration, fluid overload, or hormonal imbalance, but not heart failure.

Choice D reason: Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) 275 pg/mL is an elevated value for serum BNP. BNP is a hormone that is released by the heart when it is stretched or stressed due to increased pressure or volume overload. BNP causes diuresis, vasodilation, and decreased blood pressure to reduce the workload of the heart. Elevated levels of BNP indicate heart failure, which means that the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.




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