Question

When the nurse is caring for a patient who has been admitted with a severe crushing injury after an industrial accident, which laboratory result will be most important to report to the health care provider?

a. Serum creatinine level 2.1 mg/dL
b. Serum potassium level 6.5 mEq/L
c. White blood cell count 11,500/µL
d. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 56 mg/dL

Answer 1

The most important laboratory result to report to the health care provider is a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory result that would be most important to report to the health care provider when caring for a patient with a severe crushing injury is a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Elevated potassium levels, known as hyperkalemia, can be life-threatening and can lead to cardiac arrhythmias or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is crucial to inform the health care provider of this result so that appropriate interventions can be taken to prevent any further complications.