NCLEX-RN Critical Lab Values — Immediate Nursing Actions Flashcards

A patient has a critical Potassium (K⁺) level >6.5 mEq/L. Identify the three categories of priority interventions required.

A patient has a critical Potassium (K⁺) level of 2.4 mEq/L. Which administration method for potassium replacement is FATAL and strictly contraindicated?

Select the correct precautions and risks for severe Hyponatremia (<120 mEq/L).

A patient is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. They have IV access. What is the priority intervention?

When treating severe hyperglycemia (>400 mg/dL) with an IV insulin infusion, which electrolyte requires the most critical monitoring to prevent cardiac dysrhythmias?

A patient's lab results show elevated Troponin I. What is the priority diagnostic action the nurse must facilitate immediately?

According to general critical care guidelines, below what Hemoglobin (Hgb) level is a blood transfusion typically indicated for a hemodynamically stable patient?

A patient has a critical platelet count of 18,000/mm³. Which nursing intervention is CONTRAINDICATED?

Manage the critical INR (>4.0).

What is the primary clinical utility of a NEGATIVE D-dimer result in a patient with chest pain or leg swelling?

Differentiate between inflammatory markers.

An elevated Procalcitonin (>0.5 ng/mL) is a specific marker for what type of infection?

What does a serum lactate level > 2-4 mmol/L indicate about cellular physiology?

Interpret the critical ABG intervention thresholds.

A patient presents with severe epigastric pain. Which lab value is the most SPECIFIC diagnostic marker for acute pancreatitis?