76. A nurse notes that a client has a total bilirubin of 1.0 mg/dL. The nurse should:
. Record this normal finding.
. Check urine for blood.
. Check the stool for guaiac.
. Assess the sclerae for yellow coloration.
Test-Taking Tip
Three of the options imply that the bilirubin level is not normal. Select the one option that states it is a normal value. Memorize the ranges of common diagnostic laboratory tests.
Content Area: Adult Health, Hematological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Reduction of Risk Potential/Laboratory Values
.
Answer 1 is correct because total bilirubin comes from normal turnover of RBCs in the body. Excess destruction or inability of the liver to process waste products may cause an increase in bilirubin, which may turn the client's skin yellow. This is a normal total bilirubin. Answer 2 is incorrect because this is a normal bilirubin level, unrelated to presence of blood in the urine. Answer 3 is incorrect because this is a normal bilirubin level, unrelated to blood in the stool. Answer 4 is incorrect because high bilirubin levels may cause a yellow coloration to the skin, correctly seen in the sclera of the eye. This total bilirubin is normal.