The client is experiencing severe shortness of breath,but is not cyanotic.What laboratory value should the nurse review in an attempt to understand this phenomenon?
A)Blood sugar
B)Hemoglobin and hematocrit
C)Cardiac enzymes
D)Serum electrolytes

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are indicators of oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Severe shortness of breath indicates inadequate oxygen uptake, hence reviewing the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels can help understand if the client is anemic, which can be a cause of the shortness of breath.

The Client Is Experiencing Severe Shortness of Breath,but Is Not