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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason: While teaching alternative ways to manage pain is important, it does not address the immediate issue of the client not taking the medication as prescribed.

Choice B reason: The client should be instructed to take the medication as prescribed to maintain consistent pain control and prevent breakthrough pain.

Choice C reason: Advising the client to take the medication only with severe pain is contrary to the prescribed regimen and could lead to inadequate pain management.

Choice D reason: It is important to discuss the risks of long-term medication use, but the priority is to ensure that the client understands the importance of taking the medication as prescribed for effective pain management.

A. Get the most difficult questions over with first. B. Begin with questions that are less sensitive in nature. C. Ask questions in a vague, non-specific format. D. Share personal values to put the client at ease.

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.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An older adult client returns to the clinic for chronic pain management after taking morphine sulfate 25 mg PO every 12 hours. The client reports taking the medication only when the pain was too severe to sleep. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When interviewing a client about sexuality/reproductive function, which is the best approach for the nurse to use?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse learns that members of the nursing staff are uncomfortable with responding to client family members who are angry. While designing a teaching session to help the staff respond more effectively in these situations, which instructional strategy is best for the nurse to use?

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?

Exhibits Chart Reviewed For each statement, click to indicate whether the statement is true or false.

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?

When performing blood pressure measurements to assess for orthostatic hypotension, which action should the nurse implement first?

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?

To assess a client's dorsalis pedis pulse, the nurse applies firm pressure over the top of the foot between the extension tendons of the great and first toes but does not feel a pulsation. Which action should the nurse take next?

A small, round raised area appears under the client's skin as the nurse administers an intradermal medication. Which action should the nurse take?