FREE LPN Interpreting Lab Values and Nursing Actions Questions and Answers

Question 1

An LPN is reviewing the morning labs for a patient and notes a serum potassium level of 6.1 mEq/L. What is the LPN's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify the RN or healthcare provider

Answer

Encourage the patient to eat a banana

Answer

Document the finding and recheck in 4 hours

Answer

Administer a prescribed diuretic

Question 2

A patient receiving warfarin has an International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 4.8. The LPN should recognize this value as being:

Accepted Answer

Above the therapeutic range, indicating a risk of bleeding

Answer

Within the therapeutic range

Answer

Below the therapeutic range, indicating a risk of clotting

Answer

A normal value for a patient not on anticoagulants

Question 3

A patient's complete blood count (CBC) shows a hemoglobin level of 7.5 g/dL. Which clinical manifestation would the LPN expect to observe?

Accepted Answer

Fatigue and shortness of breath

Answer

Flushed skin and bradycardia

Answer

Hypertension and bounding pulses

Answer

Increased energy and normal skin color

Question 4

An LPN notes a patient's white blood cell (WBC) count is 18,000/mm³. The LPN interprets this finding as most likely indicating:

Accepted Answer

Infection

Answer

Anemia

Answer

Dehydration

Answer

A risk for bleeding

Question 5

A patient with diabetes mellitus has a fingerstick blood glucose reading of 58 mg/dL and is reporting feeling shaky and dizzy. What is the LPN's first nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Provide the patient with 4 ounces of orange juice

Answer

Administer the patient's scheduled dose of insulin

Answer

Notify the healthcare provider immediately

Answer

Recheck the blood glucose in one hour

Question 6

A patient's platelet count is 35,000/mm³. Which nursing intervention is a priority for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Implementing bleeding precautions

Answer

Encouraging frequent ambulation

Answer

Placing the patient on fluid restriction

Answer

Administering a prescribed anticoagulant

Question 7

An LPN is caring for an elderly patient with a serum sodium level of 128 mEq/L. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Changes in mental status

Answer

Increased urine output

Answer

Peripheral edema

Answer

Elevated blood pressure