Question

The nurse is reviewing sequential lab results on a newly admitted client with multiple health issues. Critical changes in which body system require the nurse to immediately notify the primary healthcare provider?

Exhibit
Metabolic Profile:
Date: 1/1, Sodium: 143 mEq/L (143 mmol/L), Potassium: 4.2 mEq/L (4.2 mmol/L), Chloride: 100 mEq (100 mmol/L), Glucose: 99 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L), Blood Urea Nitrogen: 16 mg/dL (5.7 mmol/L), Creatinine: 1.3 mg/dL (99 mmol/L), Venous Carbon Dioxide: 24 mEq/L (24 mmol/L)

Date: 1/2, Sodium: 138 mEq/L (138 mmol/L), Potassium: 4.6 mEq/L (4.6 mmol/L), Chloride: 102 mEq (102 mmol/L), Glucose: 102 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), Blood Urea Nitrogen: 19 mg/dL (6.8 mmol/L), Creatinine: 1.6 mg/dL (122 mmol/L), Venous Carbon Dioxide: 26 mEq/L (26 mmol/L)

Date: 1/3, Sodium: 137 mEq/L (137 mmol/L), Potassium: 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L), Chloride: 104 mEq (104 mmol/L), Glucose: 104 mg/dL (5.8 mmol/L), Blood Urea Nitrogen: 22 mg/dL (7.9 mmol/L), Creatinine: 2.0 mg/dL (153 mmol/L), Venous Carbon Dioxide: 27 mEq/L (27 mmol/L)

1. Renal
2. Endocrine
3. Pulmonary
4. Cardiovascular

Answer 1

Immediate notification of the primary healthcare provider is warranted due to the critical changes in the renal system indicated by rising potassium, BUN, and creatinine levels, which suggest deteriorating renal function and potential hyperkalemia. 3. Pulmonary

Step-by-step explanation:

Critical changes in the renal system of a newly admitted client with multiple health issues require immediate notification of the primary healthcare provider. Analysis of the metabolic profile provided shows a progressive increase in potassium levels, from 4.2 mEq/L to 5.0 mEq/L, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) from 16 mg/dL to 22 mg/dL, and creatinine from 1.3 mg/dL to 2.0 mg/dL over the course of three days.

These changes suggest worsening renal function and the development of hyperkalemia, which can have serious cardiovascular consequences if not promptly managed. Additionally, the increase in BUN and creatinine suggests a decline in the kidneys' filtering capability, further validating the need for urgent intervention by the healthcare provider.