Question

A client presents with shortness of breath, productive cough, and altered diagnostic results. Which findings require follow-up by the nurse?

a) Sodium 150 mEq/L
b) WBC count 12,000/mm³
c) Capillary refill less than 2 seconds
d) Oxygen saturation 88% on room air

Answer 1

The nurse should follow up on the elevated sodium level of 150 mEq/L, the high white blood cell count of 12,000/mm³, and the low oxygen saturation of 88% on room air as these are outside the normal ranges and could indicate serious health concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a client presents with shortness of breath, productive cough, and altered diagnostic results, the findings that require follow-up by the nurse would include:

• Sodium 150 mEq/L: This value is elevated, indicating hypernatremia which can be due to dehydration or other underlying issues.
• WBC count 12,000/mm³: This is a high white blood cell count, which could suggest an infection or inflammatory process.
• Capillary refill less than 2 seconds: This is within the normal range, indicating adequate perfusion.
• Oxygen saturation 88% on room air: This is a low oxygen saturation level and can signal hypoxemia which is a critical finding that needs immediate intervention.