Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has end-stage kidney disease and received hemodialysis 24 yr ago. Which of the following lab values should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Serum creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL
B. Potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L
C. Hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL
D. Calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL

Answer 1

The nurse should report a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L to the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L to the provider. End-stage kidney disease can cause electrolyte imbalances, and a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is above the normal range of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. High potassium levels can be dangerous and may lead to cardiac arrhythmias.

The other lab values mentioned in the options are within the normal ranges. A serum creatinine of 1.2 mg/dL, hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL, and calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL are not alarming in this context.