Nursing responsibility for certain Lab test results

[taylorzg]

Hi. I'm in my first semester of nursing school and i'm about to start my first clinical rotation. I am trying to fill out all my clinical paperwork but I am having difficulty with figuring out what are the nursing responsibilities for certain conditions. I'm assuming that if someone has a trace of blood in urine, a positive urine urobilinogen, urine nitrite, and urine leukocyte esterase and an 8 urine squamous epithelial cell when it should be less than 6...a UTI could be the result of all of this?

And then i'm also trying to find out what are the nursing responsibilities for a patient with lab results that indicate hypocalcemia, a slightly elevated blood glucose level, and UTI? For the UTI from common knowledge i have change briefs often, perineal hygiene, encourage fluid intake, administer antibiotics according to physicians orders but that's all i have. Can someone help? I would really appreciate any help! Thank you in advance :)

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Hi! Welcome to AN! The largest online community!

I know that starting nursing you are full of anxiety. Just reading your post made me tired...lol

You are just beginning your journey. Every question you have will be answered in its own time....that is what nursing school is for, teaching what, when, and where of patient ca are.

First step....breathe. Second step...BREATHE. Third give yourself time to learn how to be a good nurse. We are here to help you...hugs.

[Summer Days]

Ideally, your nursing responsibility will focus on the system(s) in which the critical lab value affects. With regards to UTI, you will continue to assess urine for sediments, odor, & color. Assess VS & compare with pt's baseline. How old is the pt? In the elderly assess mentation for we know they present with confusion in active UTI.

For hypocalcemia, look up in your text book. What does calcium do? When a pt has low calcium, how do they present? The symptoms they present with will be your focus for monitoring. Are s/s improving or worsening?

Hope that helped. Good luck

[tridil2000, MSN, RN]

You aren't there to medically dx a uti. The pt will have dysuria. A med assistant can dip urine for results. Professional nursing practice encompasses much more.

Alteration in comfort related to dysuria.

Knowledge deficit related to the uti.

Potential for sepsis related to the uti.

Interventions by the RN would be:

Fluids

Acid ash diet - to lower the ph

Medications that assist with comfort

Antibiotics as prescribed

Anti pyretics for fever

Educating on peri care - front to back

Assess for change in mental status - early sign of sepsis