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 D

Choice A rationale: Potassium 3.5 mEq/L and sodium 142 mEq/L are within normal ranges, not expected after vomiting and diarrhea which typically cause hypokalemia and hypernatremia due to fluid loss.

Choice B rationale: Potassium 4.5 mEq/L and sodium 140 mEq/L remain normal, not consistent with dehydration and gastrointestinal fluid loss, which usually lower potassium and elevate sodium concentration.

Choice C rationale: Potassium 5.0 mEq/L and sodium 138 mEq/L are normal values, not typical after prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, where potassium decreases and sodium increases due to water deficit.

Choice D rationale: Potassium 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia from gastrointestinal losses, and sodium 149 mEq/L indicates hypernatremia from dehydration, both expected findings after vomiting and diarrhea.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Starting with the most difficult questions can make the client uncomfortable and less likely to be open in the discussion.

Choice B reason: Beginning with less sensitive questions can help build rapport and make the client feel more comfortable discussing more intimate details later in the interview.

Choice C reason: Asking questions in a vague, non-specific format can lead to confusion and may not yield the necessary information.

Choice D reason: Sharing personal values is not appropriate as it can bias the interaction and may make the client feel judged or uncomfortable.

A. Serum potassium: 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 142 mEq/L (142 mmol/L) B. Serum potassium: 4.5 mEq/L (4.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L) C. Serum potassium: 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 138 mEq/L (138 mmol/L) D. Serum potassium: 3.0 mEq/L (3.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 149 mEq/L (149 mmol/L)

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Potassium 3.5 mEq/L and sodium 142 mEq/L are within normal ranges, not expected after vomiting and diarrhea which typically cause hypokalemia and hypernatremia due to fluid loss.

Choice C rationale: Potassium 5.0 mEq/L and sodium 138 mEq/L are normal values, not typical after prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, where potassium decreases and sodium increases due to water deficit.

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