Question

While the client is taking Digoxin (digitalis), the nurse should check the client's laboratory values. Which laboratory value should be reported to the doctor? A. Sodium level of \(138 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) B. Chloride level of \(98 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) C. Potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) D. Magnesium level of \(1.8 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)

Short answer

Answer: The value that should be reported to the doctor is the Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L since it falls below the normal range of 3.5-5.1 mEq/L.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the normal ranges of electrolytes

Research the normal ranges of electrolytes in the bloodstream. Here are the common ranges for the given electrolytes: Sodium: \(135-145 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) Chloride: \(96-106 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) Potassium: \(3.5-5.1 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) Magnesium: \(1.7-2.2 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)

Identify the abnormal laboratory value

Compare the client's laboratory values with the normal ranges: A. Sodium level of \(138 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls within the normal range (\(135-145 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)). B. Chloride level of \(98 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls within the normal range (\(96-106 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)). C. Potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls below the normal range (\(3.5-5.1 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)). D. Magnesium level of \(1.8 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\) falls within the normal range (\(1.7-2.2 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\)).

Select the correct answer

The abnormal laboratory value is the potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\), which falls below the normal range, and it should be reported to the doctor. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Potassium level of \(3.0 \mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}\).