The client has complaints of being tired, listless, and unable to tole

The client has complaints of being tired, listless, and unable to tolerate activity at usual levels. Which laboratory value should the nurse review first while assessing this complaint?

1. Blood urea nitrogen
2. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
3. Blood sugar
4. Serum potassium

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The client’s symptoms may or may not be associated with the blood urea nitrogen level.
Rationale 2: Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying portion of the blood, and anemia (decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit) is often associated with client complaints of being tired, listless, and unable to tolerate normal activities.
Rationale 3: These symptoms may or may not be seen in a client with an alteration in the blood sugar level.
Rationale 4: These symptoms may or may not be seen in a client with an altered serum potassium level.