Reviewing the patient's report of laboratory test results (see accompanying box), the nurse realizes that which of the following critical values are for the patient with a decreased level of consciousness? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | }
\hline \text { Laboratory tests } & \text { Results } \
\hline \mathrm { Na } + & 138 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline \mathrm { K } + & 4.0 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline \mathrm { WBC } & 10,000 \
\hline \text { Glucose } & 45 \mathrm { mg } / \mathrm { dl } \
\hline \text { Serum osmolality } & \begin{array} { l }
200 \mathrm { mOsm } / \mathrm { kg } \
\mathrm { H } 2 \mathrm { O }
\end{array} \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Question

Reviewing the patient's report of laboratory test results (see accompanying box), the nurse realizes that which of the following critical values are for the patient with a decreased level of consciousness? $$\begin{array} { | l | l | } 
\hline \text { Laboratory tests } & \text { Results } \
\hline \mathrm { Na } + & 138 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline \mathrm { K } + & 4.0 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L } \
\hline \mathrm { WBC } & 10,000 \
\hline \text { Glucose } & 45 \mathrm { mg } / \mathrm { dl } \
\hline \text { Serum osmolality } & \begin{array} { l } 
200 \mathrm { mOsm } / \mathrm { kg } \
\mathrm { H } 2 \mathrm { O }
\end{array} \
\hline
\end{array}$$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The critical values indicating a decreased level of consciousness in this patient are the low glucose (45 mg/dl, indicating hypoglycemia) and the low serum osmolality (200 mOsm/kg H2O, indicating a potential for cerebral edema or other neurological impacts).

Reviewing the Patient's Report of Laboratory Test Results (See Accompanying