A client who received 6 units of packed red blood cells 3 days ago for a lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed is now displaying signs of shortness of breath with occasional stridor and is reporting muscle cramping.

Reference Range:
Potassium [3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)]
Magnesium [Adult: 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L)]
Calcium [9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L)]
Sodium (136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)]

Which serum laboratory value should the nurse immediately report to the healthcare provider?

Potassium 4.7 mEq/L (4.70 mmol/L).

Magnesium 2.1 mEq/L (0.86 mmol/L).

Calcium 6.5 mg/dL (1.63 mmol/L).

Sodium 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Potassium 4.7 mEq/L (4.70 mmol/L) is within the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L). Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the balance of fluids and acids in the body, as well as the function of nerves and muscles. A high potassium level (hyperkalemia) can cause muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can cause muscle cramps, fatigue, and arrhythmias.

Choice B reason: Magnesium 2.1 mEq/L (0.86 mmol/L) is within the normal reference range of 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L (0.65 to 1.05 mmol/L). Magnesium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the activity of enzymes, muscles, and nerves, as well as the balance of calcium and potassium in the body. A high magnesium level (hypermagnesemia) can cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, muscle weakness, and respiratory depression. A low magnesium level (hypomagnesemia) can cause muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Choice C reason: Calcium 6.5 mg/dL (1.63 mmol/L) is below the normal reference range of 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Calcium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the function of muscles, nerves, bones, and blood clotting. A high calcium level (hypercalcemia) can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, kidney stones, and bone pain. A low calcium level (hypocalcemia) can cause muscle spasms, cramps, tingling, numbness, and stridor (a high-pitched sound when breathing). **This is a critical value that should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider**, as it can indicate a serious condition such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, or massive blood transfusion.

Choice D reason: Sodium 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L) is slightly below the normal reference range of 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L). Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate the balance of fluids and acids in the body, as well as the function of nerves and muscles. A high sodium level (hypernatremia) can cause thirst, dry mouth, confusion, seizures, and coma. A low sodium level (hyponatremia) can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle weakness, and confusion.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Canned vegetables with additional table salt are not a good choice for someone with cholecystitis, because they are high in sodium, which can increase fluid retention and inflammation. However, this choice is not eliminated by the client, so it does not indicate successful teaching.

Choice B reason: Pasta with herbal butter and no meat sauce is a good choice for someone with cholecystitis, because it is low in fat and protein, which can trigger gallbladder contractions and pain. This choice is not eliminated by the client, so it does not indicate successful teaching.

Choice C reason: Citrus fruit and melon with a salt substitute are also good choices for someone with cholecystitis, because they are high in vitamin C and water, which can help dissolve gallstones and prevent infection. This choice is not eliminated by the client, so it does not indicate successful teaching.

Choice D reason: Whole milk and daily servings of ice cream are bad choices for someone with cholecystitis, because they are high in fat and cholesterol, which can worsen gallbladder inflammation and increase the risk of gallstone formation. This choice is eliminated by the client, so it indicates successful teaching.

A. Prepare for an abdominal catheter. B. Continue routine medications. C. Expect the insulin dosage to be reduced. D. Include potassium-rich foods in the diet.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: An abdominal catheter is used for peritoneal dialysis, not hemodialysis. Hemodialysis requires access to a large blood vessel, usually in the arm or leg.

Choice B reason: Routine medications may need to be adjusted or avoided before or after hemodialysis, depending on their effects on blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolytes.

Choice C reason: Insulin dosage may need to be reduced during hemodialysis because insulin is removed by the dialyzer and blood glucose levels may drop. This is the correct statement to include in client education.

Choice D reason: Potassium-rich foods should be limited in the diet of clients with chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis, because potassium can build up in the blood and cause cardiac arrhythmias.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After teaching a client newly diagnosed with cholecystitis about recommended diet changes, the nurse evaluates the client's learning. Which food choices eliminated by the client indicate to the nurse that teaching has been successful?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease is to begin hemodialysis treatment. Which statement should the nurse include in client education?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

While completing a health assessment for a young adult female with acute appendicitis, the client informs the nurse that there is a chance that she may be pregnant. The operating team is preparing to take the client to surgery. Which intervention should the nurse implement immediately?

A client asks the nurse for information about how to reduce risk factors for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which information should the nurse provide?

The healthcare provider prescribes 1 liter of 0.9% sodium chloride, USP intravenously (IV) to be infused over 10 hours for a client. How many mL/hr should the nurse program the infusion pump to deliver? (Enter numerical value only.)

A client presents with the onset of a severe headache, fever, nuchal rigidity, and a petechial rash on arms and legs. The nurse recognizes the client is exhibiting symptoms of which condition?

A patient experiences residual effects following an acute attack of Ménière's disease and receives a new prescription for an antihistamine. Which assessment finding indicates that the medication is effective?

A client with a closed head injury demonstrates signs of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which additional finding should the nurse expect to obtain?