A client with intestinal obstruction has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction and is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of lactated Ringer's at 100 mL/hour.
Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider? Reference Range: Potassium (3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L).

24-hour intake at the current infusion rate.

Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L (3.1 mmol/L).

Gastric output of 900 mL in the last 24 hours.

Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the 24-hour intake at the current infusion rate is not the most important finding to report to the healthcare provider in this case. It is essential to monitor intake and output, but a single report of the 24-hour intake is not as critical as other findings.

Choice B rationale:

Reporting a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L (3.1 mmol/L) is the most important finding to report to the healthcare provider. The patient's potassium level is below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can have serious cardiac and neuromuscular effects, including arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Prompt intervention, such as potassium supplementation or adjustment of IV fluids, is necessary to address this potentially life-threatening condition.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting a gastric output of 900 mL in the last 24 hours is significant and should be reported to the healthcare provider, but it is not as urgent as the low potassium level. Gastric output should be monitored to assess for signs of improvement or worsening, but hypokalemia takes precedence due to its immediate health risks.

Choice D rationale:

Reporting an increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is important for the overall assessment of the patient's renal function but is not the most critical finding in this scenario. The low potassium level is a more immediate concern and requires immediate attention.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Step 1 is to determine the amount of darbepoetin alfa in each mL of solution. The vial is labeled as “60 mcg/mL”, which means each mL contains 60 mcg of darbepoetin alfa.

Step 2 is to calculate the volume of the solution that contains 40 mcg of darbepoetin alfa. This can be done by dividing the prescribed dosage by the concentration of the solution. So, the volume is 40 mcg ÷ 60 mcg/mL = 0.67 mL.

However, since we need to round to the nearest tenth, the volume becomes 0.7 mL.

So, the correct answer is, after analysing all choices, the nurse should administer 0.7 mL of the darbepoetin alfa solution.

A. “This medication will shorten the duration of my symptoms.”. B. “This medication will prevent me from spreading the virus to others.”. C. “This medication will work best if I start taking it within 48 hours of symptom onset.”. D. “This medication may cause nausea and vomiting as side effects.”.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The statement, "This medication will shorten the duration of my symptoms," is correct. Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza, and it can reduce the duration of symptoms when taken early in the course of the illness.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "This medication will prevent me from spreading the virus to others," is incorrect. While oseltamivir can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, it does not prevent the spread of the virus to others. Clients with influenza should still take precautions to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "This medication will work best if I start taking it within 48 hours of symptom onset," is correct. Oseltamivir is most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "This medication may cause nausea and vomiting as side effects," is correct. Nausea and vomiting are potential side effects of oseltamivir, and clients should be informed about these possible adverse reactions.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with chronic kidney disease receives a prescription for darbepoetin alfa 40 mcg subcutaneous every 7 days. The darbepoetin alfa vial is labeled, "60 mcg/mL." How many mL should the nurse administer? round to the nearest tenth.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is diagnosed with influenza A and is prescribed oseltamivir. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further education?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Patient Data. Exhibits What are the signs and symptoms of DKA? Select all that apply.

Four days after exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19), a client has a negative COVID-19 test result. Eight days after the negative test result, the client presents with fever, fatigue, and cough, and the nurse performs a second COVID-19 test. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

After inflating a blood pressure cuff and releasing the valve, the nurse hears silence followed by a Korotkoff sound. Which action should the nurse take next?

A client at 42-weeks gestation arrives at the labor and delivery unit for a scheduled induction but refuses the prescribed oxytocin infusion because she wants to have a "natural" delivery. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

After an increase in the number of suicides in a community, the nurse is developing a class for adolescents about mental health. Which type of activity should the nurse include in the teaching?

The nurse is caring for a client who receives a prescription for valproic acid in which the maximum safe dosage is 60 mg/kg/day. How many mg/day is the maximum safe dosage for a client who weighs 176 pounds? (Enter numerical value only.).