The nurse is caring for a client with advanced lung cancer who has been admitted to the emergency department with urinary retention caused by renal calculi. Which of the following laboratory values will require the most immediate action by the nurse?
A)Arterial blood pH is 7.32.
B)Serum calcium is 3.45 mmol/L.
C)Serum potassium is 5.1 mmol/L.
D)Arterial oxygen saturation is 91%.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The serum calcium is well above the normal level and puts the client at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring and notify the health care provider. The potassium, oxygen saturation, and pH also are abnormal, and the nurse should notify the health care provider about these values as well, but they are not immediately life threatening.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Advanced Lung