Question 1

What is the normal hemoglobin level range in the human body?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The normal hemoglobin range for adults is approximately 13.5–17.5 g/dL for males and 12–15.5 g/dL for females. The value 13.5–17.5 g/dL fits within the established reference range, making this the correct normal range among the provided options.

Question 2

A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed metoprolol. What education should the nurse provide regarding blood glucose monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Metoprolol can mask the typical signs of hypoglycemia, especially tachycardia. Because symptoms may be less noticeable, the client must monitor blood glucose more frequently. Checking levels before meals and at bedtime helps detect both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia early, ensuring safe diabetes management.

Question 3

In a patient undergoing surgery, it was vital to aspirate the contents of the upper gastrointestinal tract. After the operation, the following values were acquired from an arterial blood sample: pH 7.55, PCO2 52 mm Hg and HCO3- 40 mmol/l. What is the underlying disorder?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The arterial blood gas shows a pH of 7.55 (alkalemia) and an elevated HCO₃⁻ of 40 mmol/L, indicating a primary metabolic process. The PCO₂ is also elevated at 52 mm Hg, which represents respiratory compensation (CO₂ retention) for the metabolic alkalosis. In the context of aspiration of upper GI contents and loss of gastric acid, the correct interpretation is metabolic alkalosis.

Question 4

Which of the following ABG abnormalities should the nurse anticipate in a client with advanced COPD?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Advanced COPD causes chronic CO2 retention, leading to respiratory acidosis; thus PaCO2 is elevated, while PaO2 and oxygen saturation tend to be low, and the pH is not increased.

Question 5

The nurse reviewing the lab results of a client receiving cyclophosphamide for Hodgkin's lymphoma finds the following: WBC 4,200, RBC 3,800,000, platelets 25,000, and serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL. The nurse recognizes that the greatest risk for the client at this time is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A platelet count of 25,000 indicates severe thrombocytopenia from myelosuppression, placing the client at the highest immediate risk for bleeding. A WBC of 4,200 is only mildly low, an RBC of 3.8 million suggests anemia but is less acute, and creatinine is normal.

Question 6

A 15-year-old primigravida is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. Which laboratory finding is associated with HELLP syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: HELLP stands for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets; thus, elevated hepatic enzymes are expected, not high platelets or glucose.

Question 7

The nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which laboratory finding should be reported to the physician?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L indicates significant hypokalemia, which increases the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias during anesthesia and must be corrected preoperatively. The other values are within normal limits.

Question 8

What condition may a high white blood cell (WBC) count indicate?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Leukocytosis (elevated WBC count) commonly reflects infection or inflammation. Anemia involves a low RBC count, dehydration is nonspecific, and thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count.

Question 9

An arterial blood gas report indicates that the client's pH is 7.25, PCO2 is elevated, and HCO3 is 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base disturbance should the nurse identify?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A pH of 7.25 indicates acidemia. The elevated PaCO₂ identifies a respiratory cause of the acid–base disturbance. A normal bicarbonate level (HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L) indicates that renal metabolic compensation has not yet occurred. Together, these findings are consistent with acute respiratory acidosis.

Question 10

A client has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. What is the therapeutic INR range for a client on warfarin?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: For most indications, therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin targets an INR of 2.0–3.0; higher targets are reserved for patients with certain mechanical valves.

Question 11

A four-year-old child is admitted with burns on his legs and lower abdomen. When assessing the child's hydration status, which of the following indicates a less-than-adequate fluid replacement?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Inadequate fluid replacement after burns leads to hypovolemia, causing hemoconcentration (rising hematocrit) and decreased renal perfusion and low urine output.

Question 12

The physician has ordered a serum aminophylline level for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse knows that the therapeutic range for aminophylline is?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Therapeutic serum levels for aminophylline/theophylline are 10–20 mcg/mL; lower ranges are subtherapeutic.

Question 13

The nurse notes the following laboratory test results for a client 24 hours post-burn. Which abnormality should be reported to the physician immediately?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A potassium of 7.5 mEq/L indicates severe hyperkalemia, common early after burns due to cell lysis, and carries an immediate risk of lethal arrhythmias. The mild hyponatremia, slight acidemia, and elevated hematocrit are expected and less urgent.

Question 14

Which fasting blood glucose reading corresponds to the symptoms of polyphagia, polydipsia, dry mouth, and polyuria in an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and dry mouth indicate hyperglycemia. A fasting glucose of 180 mg/dL is abnormally high (≥126 mg/dL is diagnostic), whereas 88 and 98 mg/dL are normal, and 60 mg/dL is hypoglycemic.

Question 15

Increased urine specific gravity in?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Dehydration causes the kidneys to conserve water, producing concentrated urine with an elevated specific gravity. Diabetes insipidus produces dilute urine with a low specific gravity; alkalosis and glomerulonephritis do not typically raise it.

Question 16

The physician has ordered a homocysteine blood level for a client. The nurse recognizes that the results will be increased in a client with a deficiency in?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Homocysteine levels rise with deficiencies of folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B6. Among these options, only vitamin B12 deficiency causes elevated homocysteine.

Question 17

A client with deep vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin infusion and Coumadin PO. The INR lab result is 8.0. Which intervention would be most important to include in the nursing care plan?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An INR of 8.0 is critically elevated, placing the client at high risk for hemorrhage; the priority is to assess for abnormal bleeding and to notify the provider, not to increase anticoagulation.

Question 18

An EKG is performed on a patient. Tall, peaked T waves are seen. Which lab value below most likely caused this EKG abnormality?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Tall, peaked T waves are a classic ECG sign of hyperkalemia. A potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L is elevated and explains this finding. The other values do not cause peaked T waves.

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. Laboratory studies are performed, and the serum calcium level is 12.0 mg/dL. Based on this laboratory value, which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A serum calcium of 12.0 mg/dL is elevated (hypercalcemia) and can cause serious complications. The priority is to notify the provider for evaluation and treatment.

Question 20

The client diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the bone is exhibiting mental confusion and a BP of 150/100. Which laboratory value would correlate with the client's symptoms, reflecting a common complication of this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Bone metastases commonly cause hypercalcemia from bone resorption. An elevated calcium of 13 mg/dL explains mental confusion and hypertension; the other values are normal or less relevant.

Question 21

A 15-year-old primigravida is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. Which laboratory finding is associated with HELLP syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: HELLP stands for Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. Thus elevated hepatic enzymes are characteristic; platelets are decreased, and glucose/creatinine clearance changes are not defining features.

Question 22

The presence of bilirubin in the urine indicates?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Urinary bilirubin reflects conjugated bilirubin, which appears with hepatobiliary obstruction or liver/biliary disease; it is not caused by hyperglycemia, renal stones, or malignancy.

Question 23

A client has a glycosylated hemoglobin measurement of 6%. What should the nurse conclude about this client when planning a teaching plan based on the results of this laboratory test?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An HbA1c of 6% reflects good glycemic control over the past 2–3 months, indicating adherence to the diabetes regimen. It does not suggest rebound hyperglycemia, a need to change insulin, or deficient nutritional teaching.

Question 24

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Which would the nurse expect to note specifically in this disorder?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Multiple myeloma causes osteolytic bone destruction leading to hypercalcemia. WBCs are not typically increased, BUN tends to be elevated (renal impairment), and plasma cells are increased, not decreased.

Question 25

A client who is diagnosed with congestive heart failure is scheduled to receive an intravenous push (IVP) dose of furosemide, 40 mg. As the nurse reviews the client’s morning labs, the following results are noted: Na+ 135 mEq/L; K+ 3.1 mEq/L; Ca+ 8.5 mg/dL; and Mg+ 2.1 mg/dL. Which lab result should be reported to the provider immediately?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Potassium 3.1 mEq/L is hypokalemia. Furosemide can further decrease K+, increasing risk of life-threatening dysrhythmias; this requires immediate provider notification before administration.

Question 26

A patient is admitted in the CICU with the PH: 7.25, PaCO2: 40, HCO3: 18. Which acid base condition a patient is suffering?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: PH is low (7.25, acidemia) with low HCO3 (18) and normal PaCO2 (40), indicating a primary metabolic acidosis.

Question 27

The nurse is assessing a client for hypovolemia. Which laboratory result would help the nurse in confirming a volume deficit?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Hypovolemia causes hemoconcentration, elevating hematocrit. The other values are normal or nonspecific for volume deficit (USG 1.016 and BUN 18 mg/dL are within normal range; potassium 5.0 mEq/L is not a volume indicator).

Question 28

A client with COPD is in respiratory failure. Which of the following results would be the most sensitive indicator that the client requires a mechanical ventilator?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A markedly low pH (7.23) indicates acute respiratory acidosis and ventilatory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. COPD clients may have chronically elevated PCO2 and HCO3 and SaO2 of 90% can be acceptable.

Question 29

The nurse is assessing the arterial blood gases (ABG) of a chest trauma client with the results of pH 7.35, PO2 85, PCO2 55, and HCO3 27. These ABG values indicate that the client is in?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: PaCO2 is high (55) indicating respiratory acidosis. pH is within normal but on the acidic side (7.35) and HCO3 is slightly elevated (27), showing metabolic compensation; thus compensated respiratory acidosis.

Question 30

A client admitted with gastroenteritis and a potassium level of 2.9mEq/dL has been placed on telemetry. Which ECG finding would the nurse expect to find due to the client's potassium results?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Potassium 2.9 indicates hypokalemia, which typically causes ECG changes such as ST depression, T-wave flattening/inversion, and U waves. Elevated T waves, absent P waves, and widened/flattened QRS are associated with hyperkalemia.

Question 31

A client who had major abdominal surgery is having delayed healing of the wound. Which laboratory test result would most closely correlate with this problem?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Hypoalbuminemia reflects poor protein nutrition, which impairs collagen synthesis and tissue repair, leading to delayed wound healing. Creatinine, calcium, and sodium levels do not directly account for impaired wound healing.

Question 32

Which lab abnormality causes fluid to leak into tissues, leading to edema?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Hypoalbuminemia lowers plasma oncotic pressure, causing fluid to shift from the intravascular space into interstitial tissues and produce edema.

Question 33

A patient is in respiratory distress with ABG results showing pH 7.28, PaCO2 68 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L; what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Low pH (7.28) indicates acidemia; elevated PaCO2 (68) with normal HCO3 (24) points to an acute primary respiratory cause without renal compensation.

Question 34

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure who has a magnesium level of 0.75 mEq/L (0.375 mmol/L); which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: The magnesium level is markedly low (hypomagnesemia), which increases the risk of ventricular dysrhythmias, especially in heart failure. Priority is to monitor for irregular heart rhythms. Other options either decrease magnesium intake or do not address the risk.

Question 35

Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result should the nurse anticipate in a client with a nasogastric tube attached to continuous suction?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Continuous NG suction removes gastric hydrochloric acid, causing metabolic alkalosis. The expected ABG shows elevated pH with elevated HCO3 (option D).

Question 36

What does a rheumatoid factor test result of 130 IU/mL indicate for a 65-year-old patient?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Typical RF reference is

Question 37

Which patient is experiencing partially compensated respiratory acidosis?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: PaCO2 >45 indicates respiratory acidosis; pH

Question 38

A client being treated with Coumadin has an INR of 8.0; which intervention is appropriate based on the INR level?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An INR of 8.0 indicates dangerously high anticoagulation on warfarin; the priority is to assess for bleeding and notify the provider. DDAVP and protamine do not reverse warfarin, and limiting vitamin K would worsen over-anticoagulation.

Question 39

To determine a client's response to treatment for autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: ITP involves autoimmune platelet destruction; improvement is reflected by a rising platelet count. WBC and potassium are unrelated, and PTT assesses coagulation factors, which are typically normal in ITP.

Question 40

A nurse notes the client's albumin level is 2.4 grams/dL; which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Albumin of 2.4 g/dL is low, reducing plasma oncotic pressure and leading to edema/third spacing. The priority assessment is for fluid retention.

Question 41

Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would a nurse anticipate in a client experiencing a prolonged, severe asthma attack?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Prolonged severe asthma causes hypoventilation with air trapping, leading to CO2 retention and hypoxemia; ABGs show increased PaCO2, decreased PaO2, and a low pH consistent with respiratory acidosis.

Question 42

Which ECG pattern should the nurse monitor in a client with Crohn's disease who has a calcium level of 7 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L)?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A calcium level of 7 mg/dL indicates hypocalcemia, which prolongs ventricular repolarization (prolonged ST segment) leading to a prolonged QT interval on ECG.

Question 43

Normal rectal temperature is typically?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Rectal temperature is normally about 0.3–0.6°C (0.5–1°F) higher than oral temperature because it reflects core temperature and is less affected by ambient cooling. Therefore, rectal readings are typically greater than oral readings. The other options are incorrect because rectal temperature is predictably higher than oral, not equal, lower, or unrelated.

Question 44

The nurse is assessing the client with a total knee replacement 2 hours postoperatively. Which information requires notification of the doctor?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A hemoglobin of 7 g/dL is critically low and may indicate significant blood loss and impaired oxygen-carrying capacity; it often requires urgent evaluation and possible transfusion depending on symptoms and clinical status. Scant dressing drainage and a low-grade temperature can be expected early postoperative findings. Urine output of 120 mL/hr is adequate and suggests acceptable perfusion.

Question 45

What is the normal range of potassium in the blood?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Normal serum potassium is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. Values below this range reflect hypokalemia and values above reflect hyperkalemia, both of which can cause dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias. The other options are incorrect because they are either too narrow or outside normal reference limits.

Question 46

The nurse analyzes the laboratory results of a child with hemophilia. Which laboratory value would the nurse expect to be abnormal?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Hemophilia is due to a deficiency of clotting factors in the intrinsic pathway (e.g., factor VIII or IX), which prolongs the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Platelet count is typically normal because platelet number/function is not the primary problem. Hemoglobin/hematocrit may be normal unless there has been significant bleeding.

Question 47

Which lab confirms fluid overload after aggressive IV hydration?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Aggressive IV hydration can cause hemodilution, leading to a decreased hematocrit, which supports fluid overload/overhydration. Troponin indicates myocardial injury rather than volume status. Creatinine primarily reflects renal function, and sodium may change variably and is less specific for dilutional overload.

Question 48

A client is scheduled to undergo a renal biopsy; which laboratory result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before the procedure to minimize postprocedure complications?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: A renal biopsy is invasive and carries a significant bleeding risk; abnormal coagulation results should be reported before proceeding. A PT of 15 seconds is prolonged compared with typical reference ranges and may indicate increased bleeding risk. The other listed values are within expected limits and do not directly increase procedure-related bleeding risk.

Question 49

A nurse is reviewing a client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) lab result of 58 seconds; which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: An aPTT of 58 seconds is prolonged relative to normal and can indicate increased bleeding risk or excessive heparin effect if the client is receiving heparin. The safest action is to notify the provider for evaluation and possible treatment/medication adjustment. Vitamin K reverses warfarin (PT/INR), not an isolated prolonged aPTT, and preparing for surgery would be unsafe without correcting coagulation.

Question 50

Cholesterol normal range?

Accepted Answer

Answer reason: Desirable total cholesterol is

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What is the normal hemoglobin level range in the human body?

A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed metoprolol. What education should the nurse provide regarding blood glucose monitoring?

In a patient undergoing surgery, it was vital to aspirate the contents of the upper gastrointestinal tract. After the operation, the following values were acquired from an arterial blood sample: pH 7.55, PCO2 52 mm Hg and HCO3- 40 mmol/l. What is the underlying disorder?

Which of the following ABG abnormalities should the nurse anticipate in a client with advanced COPD?

The nurse reviewing the lab results of a client receiving cyclophosphamide for Hodgkin's lymphoma finds the following: WBC 4,200, RBC 3,800,000, platelets 25,000, and serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL. The nurse recognizes that the greatest risk for the client at this time is?

A 15-year-old primigravida is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. Which laboratory finding is associated with HELLP syndrome?

The nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which laboratory finding should be reported to the physician?

What condition may a high white blood cell (WBC) count indicate?

An arterial blood gas report indicates that the client's pH is 7.25, PCO2 is elevated, and HCO3 is 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base disturbance should the nurse identify?

A client has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. What is the therapeutic INR range for a client on warfarin?

A four-year-old child is admitted with burns on his legs and lower abdomen. When assessing the child's hydration status, which of the following indicates a less-than-adequate fluid replacement?

The physician has ordered a serum aminophylline level for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse knows that the therapeutic range for aminophylline is?

The nurse notes the following laboratory test results for a client 24 hours post-burn. Which abnormality should be reported to the physician immediately?

Which fasting blood glucose reading corresponds to the symptoms of polyphagia, polydipsia, dry mouth, and polyuria in an adult patient?

Increased urine specific gravity in?

The physician has ordered a homocysteine blood level for a client. The nurse recognizes that the results will be increased in a client with a deficiency in?

A client with deep vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin infusion and Coumadin PO. The INR lab result is 8.0. Which intervention would be most important to include in the nursing care plan?

An EKG is performed on a patient. Tall, peaked T waves are seen. Which lab value below most likely caused this EKG abnormality?

The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism. Laboratory studies are performed, and the serum calcium level is 12.0 mg/dL. Based on this laboratory value, which action should the nurse take?

The client diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the bone is exhibiting mental confusion and a BP of 150/100. Which laboratory value would correlate with the client's symptoms, reflecting a common complication of this diagnosis?

A 15-year-old primigravida is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of HELLP syndrome. Which laboratory finding is associated with HELLP syndrome?

The presence of bilirubin in the urine indicates?

A client has a glycosylated hemoglobin measurement of 6%. What should the nurse conclude about this client when planning a teaching plan based on the results of this laboratory test?

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Which would the nurse expect to note specifically in this disorder?

A patient is admitted in the CICU with the PH: 7.25, PaCO2: 40, HCO3: 18. Which acid base condition a patient is suffering?

The nurse is assessing a client for hypovolemia. Which laboratory result would help the nurse in confirming a volume deficit?

A client with COPD is in respiratory failure. Which of the following results would be the most sensitive indicator that the client requires a mechanical ventilator?

The nurse is assessing the arterial blood gases (ABG) of a chest trauma client with the results of pH 7.35, PO2 85, PCO2 55, and HCO3 27. These ABG values indicate that the client is in?

A client admitted with gastroenteritis and a potassium level of 2.9mEq/dL has been placed on telemetry. Which ECG finding would the nurse expect to find due to the client's potassium results?

A client who had major abdominal surgery is having delayed healing of the wound. Which laboratory test result would most closely correlate with this problem?

Which lab abnormality causes fluid to leak into tissues, leading to edema?

A patient is in respiratory distress with ABG results showing pH 7.28, PaCO2 68 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L; what does this indicate?

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure who has a magnesium level of 0.75 mEq/L (0.375 mmol/L); which action should the nurse take?

Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result should the nurse anticipate in a client with a nasogastric tube attached to continuous suction?

What does a rheumatoid factor test result of 130 IU/mL indicate for a 65-year-old patient?

Which patient is experiencing partially compensated respiratory acidosis?

A client being treated with Coumadin has an INR of 8.0; which intervention is appropriate based on the INR level?

To determine a client's response to treatment for autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?

A nurse notes the client's albumin level is 2.4 grams/dL; which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would a nurse anticipate in a client experiencing a prolonged, severe asthma attack?

Which ECG pattern should the nurse monitor in a client with Crohn's disease who has a calcium level of 7 mg/dL (1.75 mmol/L)?

Normal rectal temperature is typically?

The nurse is assessing the client with a total knee replacement 2 hours postoperatively. Which information requires notification of the doctor?

What is the normal range of potassium in the blood?

The nurse analyzes the laboratory results of a child with hemophilia. Which laboratory value would the nurse expect to be abnormal?

Which lab confirms fluid overload after aggressive IV hydration?

A client is scheduled to undergo a renal biopsy; which laboratory result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before the procedure to minimize postprocedure complications?

A nurse is reviewing a client's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) lab result of 58 seconds; which action should the nurse take?

Cholesterol normal range?

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