Question

The nurse receives a call from the laboratory with lab values. Which lab value represents the highest priority for the nurse?

a) Calcium, total 32 mg/dL (8 mmol/L)
b) Sodium 140 mEq/L
c) Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
d) Hemoglobin 12 g/dL

Answer 1

The highest priority lab value for the nurse is a Calcium level of 32 mg/dL, which is indicative of hypocalcemia and requires urgent attention, as it is significantly lower than the normal range of 9.5-10.5 mg/100 ml.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lab value representing the highest priority for the nurse is a) Calcium, total 32 mg/dL (8 mmol/L). Normal blood calcium values are 9.5-10.5 mg/100 ml, and a total calcium level of 32 mg/dL is abnormally low, indicating hypocalcemia, which can have serious neurological and muscular consequences. On the other hand, the values for Sodium 140 mEq/L, Potassium 4.0 mEq/L, and Hemoglobin 12 g/dL are within normal ranges and do not present an immediate concern.