Hesi Cat
Hesi Cat ( 79 Questions)
The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an older client who is receiving chemotherapy for lung cancer. Which finding is the highest priority for the PN to report to the charge nurse?
Reference ranges:
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): [Adult: 10 to 20 mg/dL or 3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L] Platelets:
A platelet count of 135,000/mm3 is slightly below the lower end of the normal range, but it may not be considered critically low. It is not the highest priority finding among the choices provided.
A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 75 mg/dL is significantly elevated and outside the normal range. Elevated BUN can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration and should be reported promptly.
Decreased deep tendon reflexes may be related to various factors, including medication effects, and may not be considered the highest priority finding unless it is associated with other concerning symptoms.
Periodic nausea and vomiting can be common side effects of chemotherapy, but they may not be considered the highest priority finding unless they are severe, persistent, or associated with signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Choice A: A platelet count of 135,000/mm3 is slightly below the lower end of the normal range, but it may not be considered critically low. It is not the highest priority finding among the choices provided.
Choice B: A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 75 mg/dL is significantly elevated and outside the normal range. Elevated BUN can indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration and should be reported promptly.
Choice C: Decreased deep tendon reflexes may be related to various factors, including medication effects, and may not be considered the highest priority finding unless it is associated with other concerning symptoms.
Choice D: Periodic nausea and vomiting can be common side effects of chemotherapy, but they may not be considered the highest priority finding unless they are severe, persistent, or associated with signs of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.