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

Question

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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The critical results for a patient with decreased level of consciousness are low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) and high serum osmolality. These values can indicate metabolic dysfunction, and a rapid intervention is required in such cases. The other test results are within normal limits, and therefore, they are not critical.

Reviewing the Patient's Report of Laboratory Test Results as Provided