💊 NCLEX-RN Exam Prep

A nurse is monitoring a client admitted with heart failure. Which laboratory finding is most indicative of worsening cardiac function and requires immediate notification of the provider?

A Serum potassium 3.8 mEq/L.
B Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) 850 pg/mL.
C Hemoglobin A1C 6.2%.
D White Blood Cell (WBC) count 9,000/mm³.

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Elevated BNP levels (normal <100 pg/mL) indicate increased ventricular stretch and fluid overload, which is a key marker of worsening heart failure and requires prompt medical attention.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A nurse is monitoring a client admitted with heart failure. Which laboratory finding is most indicative of worsening cardiac function and requires immediate notification of the provider?" is Option B: Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) 850 pg/mL..

The other options — A) Serum potassium 3.8 mEq/L., C) Hemoglobin A1C 6.2%., D) White Blood Cell (WBC) count 9,000/mm³. — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: Elevated BNP levels (normal

📚 About This NCLEX-RN Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question from the Physiological Integrity topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free NCLEX-RN Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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