Question

the nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client with chronic kidney disease before a hemodialysis treatment. the serum electrolyte levels are sodium 142 meq/l (142 mmol/l), chloride 103 meq/l (103 mmol/l), potassium 5.2 meq/l (5.2 mmol/l), and bicarbonate 23 meq/l (23 mmol/l). what action would the nurse plan to take?

Explanation:

The normal range for sodium is \(135 - 145\ mEq/L\), for chloride \(98 - 106\ mEq/L\), for potassium \(3.5 - 5.0\ mEq/L\), and for bicarbonate \(22 - 26\ mEq/L\). The client's potassium level (\(5.2\ mEq/L\)) is slightly elevated. However, in a client with chronic kidney disease before hemodialysis, this is a common finding and may not require immediate intervention beyond reporting to the primary health care provider (PHCP) as part of the pre - dialysis assessment. Taking no action is incorrect as the elevated potassium (though slightly) still needs to be communicated. Ordering a stat hemodialysis is not indicated based on these values alone. Rechecking the labs is not necessary as the values (except for slightly elevated potassium) are within normal or near - normal ranges.

Answer:

1. Page the primary health care provider (PHCP) with the results.