Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving continuous total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following results should the nurse report to the provider?

Glucose 238 mg/dL
Potassium 4.7 mEq/L
Calcium 9.8 mg/dL
Sodium 140 mEq/L

Answer 1

The glucose level of 238 mg/dL should be reported to the provider as it exceeds the normal range and may indicate hyperglycemia due to continuous total parenteral nutrition. The other results for potassium, calcium, and sodium are within their respective normal ranges.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory result that should be reported to the provider is a Glucose level of 238 mg/dL. In the provided information from Table 26.1, there is a reference to blood glucose in relation to calcium homeostasis indicating that normal blood glucose levels are crucial, and elevation might occur in conditions like hypocalcemia. However, for a patient receiving continuous total parenteral nutrition (TPN), glucose levels must be monitored closely because TPN can cause hyperglycemia. The glucose levels are substantially higher than the normal range, which is usually less than 140 mg/dL for a fasting glucose and less than 200 mg/dL postprandially.

The potassium level reported (4.7 mEq/L) is within the normal range of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. The calcium level is within the normal range of 9.5-10.5 mg/dL, where the ionized form plays a crucial role in various physiological processes. The sodium level of 140 mEq/L also falls within the normal range of 136-146 mEq/L. Therefore, these electrolyte levels do not need to be reported urgently.