A client reports a 2-day history of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The healthcare provider prescribes serum electrolyte levels to be obtained.

Reference Range:

Potassium (K+): 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)

Sodium (Na+): 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)

Which laboratory results should the nurse expect?

Serum potassium: 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 142 mEq/L (142 mmol/L)

Serum potassium: 4.5 mEq/L (4.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L)

Serum potassium: 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 138 mEq/L (138 mmol/L)

Serum potassium: 3.0 mEq/L (3.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 149 mEq/L (149 mmol/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: The results are within the normal reference range for both potassium and sodium, which is expected unless the client's condition has led to significant electrolyte imbalances.

Choice B reason: A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is at the higher end of the normal range, which might not be expected in a client with vomiting and diarrhea, conditions that often lead to lower potassium levels.

Choice C reason: A serum potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range and could indicate hyperkalemia, especially in the context of severe dehydration.

Choice D reason: A serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L is slightly above the normal range and could indicate hypernatremia, which may occur in dehydration but would require further assessment and intervention.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D. Paper mask and gown.

Choice A rationale:

The stethoscope is not typically placed in a biohazard bag. It is cleaned and disinfected after each use, especially when used with a patient with an infectious disease like MRSA.

Choice B rationale:

Bed linens are usually placed in a designated linen bag, not a biohazard bag, even when the patient has an infectious disease. The linens are then laundered according to the healthcare facility’s infection control guidelines.

Choice C rationale:

A sputum specimen is typically placed in a designated specimen container, not a biohazard bag. The container is then sent to the lab for analysis.

Choice D rationale:

The paper mask and gown used while caring for a patient with MRSA should be placed in a designated biohazard bag before being removed from the room. This is because these items may have come into contact with the bacteria and could potentially spread the infection.

A. Confirm that bowel sounds are present. B. Measure the client's total body weight. C. Evaluate the client's ability to swallow. D. Observe for signs of fluid volume deficit.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Before initiating tube feeding, it is crucial to ensure that the gastrointestinal system is functioning. The presence of bowel sounds indicates peristalsis, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of the feeding.

Choice B reason: While measuring the client's total body weight is important for overall assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, it is not the most critical assessment before starting tube feeding.

Choice C reason: Evaluating the client's ability to swallow is not relevant in this scenario since the client will be receiving nutrition through a feeding tube due to malnutrition and dehydration.

Choice D reason: Observing for signs of fluid volume deficit is important, but the immediate concern before starting tube feeding is to confirm gastrointestinal activity through the presence of bowel sounds.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is admitted with pneumonia and has a recent history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The client is placed in isolation. When caring for the client, which item should the nurse place in a designated biohazard bag before it is removed from the room?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client who is admitted for malnutrition and severe dehydration receives a prescription for liquid feedings through a feeding tube. After the feeding tube is inserted and placement confirmed, which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete before starting the feeding?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse finds a confused client wandering in the hallway during the night. What actions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

A client with a sprained ankle is seen at the clinic and is given a pair of crutches. When the client stands with the aid of the crutches, the nurse notes a space of three finger widths between the top of the crutch and the client's axilla. Which action should the nurse take?

While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notices the boundary of the wound has increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should evaluate which of the client's laboratory values?

While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, formed, and light brown. Which action should the nurse implement?

When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? Reference Range: Potassium (K+) 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)

The nurse is reviewing the signed operative consent with a client who is admitted for the removal of a lipoma on the left leg. The client reports the permit should include another lipoma on the right leg. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse identifies several nursing problems for a client who is incontinent and immobile after a stroke and is now experiencing diarrhea. The client resides at home, and the spouse is the primary caregiver. While planning care, the nurse should determine which problem has the highest priority?

While assisting a client with oral care, the nurse assesses the client's mouth. It is most important for the nurse to take action in response to which finding?