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 A

Explanation

Choice A reason: An increased boundary of the wound suggests possible infection or inflammation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation. A CRP test can help assess the severity of inflammation or infection. The normal range for CRP is generally below 10 mg/L.

Choice B reason: While serum potassium and sodium levels are important electrolytes to monitor, they are not directly related to wound assessment or infection. Normal ranges for potassium are 3.6 to 5.2 mmol/L, and for sodium, 135 to 145 mEq/L.

Choice C reason: Neutrophils are white blood cells that respond to infection. While an elevated neutrophil count can indicate infection, it is not as specific as CRP for inflammation. The normal range for neutrophils is 2,500 to 6,000 cells/mcL.

Choice D reason: Platelets are involved in clotting and would not necessarily change due to wound infection or inflammation. The normal platelet count range is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mcL.

A. Provide at least 20 minutes of back massage and gentle efleurage. B. Instruct the client to use guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing. C. Place a hot water circulation device, such as an aquathermia pad, on the operative site. D. Tune to a television show or easy listening music to provide distraction.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Providing a back massage and gentle efleurage can help alleviate pain through relaxation
techniques and is a non-pharmacological method to manage pain.

Choice B reason: Guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing are helpful relaxation techniques, but they may not be as immediately effective for incisional pain as direct physical interventions.

Choice C reason: The use of a hot water circulation device should be done with caution postoperatively, as it may not be appropriate depending on the surgical site and the client's condition.

Choice D reason: Distraction techniques like watching television or listening to music can be helpful, but they may not address the physical component of the client's incisional pain.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client who is 2 days postoperative for thoracic surgery is reporting incisional pain 2 hours after receiving pain medication. The client rates the pain as 5 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. After placing a call to the healthcare provider, which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) assigned to feed a client with meningococcal infection, for whom droplet precautions have been implemented, requests a change in assignment, reporting they have not yet been fitted for an N95 respirator mask. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse notes that a client has cyanosis of the toes and fingertips. Which vital sign should the nurse obtain first?

The nurse assesses an adult client with a partial rebreather mask and notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during respiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) providing care for two clients using the same gloves. Which action should the nurse take first?

When conducting diet teaching for a client who is on a postoperative clear liquid diet, which foods should the nurse encourage the client to consume? Select all that apply.

During the admission assessment to the hospital, an adult client reports being allergic to latex, penicillin, and bananas. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

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?

Which explanation is best for the nurse to provide a client who asks the purpose of using the log rolling technique for turning?