A nurse in a long-term care facility is reviewing a client's laboratory results. The client's potassium level is 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Confusion

Abdominal cramps

Positive Chvostek's sign

Decreased bowel motility

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Confusion can occur with electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia, but it is not the most common or specific symptom associated with elevated potassium levels. More typical symptoms are related to muscle and gastrointestinal function.
B. Abdominal cramps are a common finding in clients with hyperkalemia (potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L). Elevated potassium can lead to increased gastrointestinal motility and irritability, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
C. Positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) and is not associated with hyperkalemia. This sign reflects increased neuromuscular excitability due to low calcium levels, so it would not be expected in this scenario.
D. Decreased bowel motility is typically associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels can cause increased bowel motility and may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and cramping. Therefore, decreased bowel motility would not be an expected finding in this case.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Prolonged PT/INR. Prolonged PT/INR may occur due to liver dysfunction or vitamin K deficiency, but it is not a direct result of pancreatitis. In pancreatitis, the liver is usually functioning normally unless there is concurrent liver disease.
B. Elevated lipase. Elevated lipase is a hallmark laboratory finding in pancreatitis. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas, and its levels rise significantly during episodes of pancreatitis, making it a key indicator in diagnosing the condition.
C. Elevated ammonia. Elevated ammonia levels are more commonly associated with liver dysfunction, such as hepatic encephalopathy, rather than pancreatitis. Pancreatitis primarily affects the digestive system, not the liver directly.
D. Decreased albumin. Decreased albumin can be seen in various conditions, including liver disease and malnutrition, but it is not a specific finding for pancreatitis. In acute pancreatitis, albumin levels may not be significantly affected, while chronic pancreatitis can lead to malabsorption and potentially lower albumin levels over time.

A. Cleanse skin eruptions with povidone-iodine. B. Avoid over-the-counter topical ointments. C. Administer an antibiotic medication. D. Place disposable thermometers in the client's room.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Cleanse skin eruptions with povidone-iodine. Cleaning the skin eruptions with a mild antiseptic like povidone-iodine can help reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infections and promote healing. Keeping the affected area clean is important in managing herpes simplex outbreaks.
B. Avoid over-the-counter topical ointments. Over-the-counter topical ointments are often recommended to help soothe the skin and alleviate discomfort during a herpes simplex outbreak. While some ointments may not be effective against the virus, it is not necessary to avoid all topical products.
C. Administer an antibiotic medication. Herpes simplex is caused by a virus, so antibiotics, which are effective against bacterial infections, would not be appropriate for treating this condition. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir or valacyclovir are indicated instead to help manage outbreaks.
D. Place disposable thermometers in the client's room. There is no specific need for disposable thermometers for a client with a herpes simplex outbreak. Standard infection control practices are sufficient, and there is no risk of contamination related to herpes that would require special thermometers.

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A nurse in a long-term care facility is reviewing a client's laboratory results. The client's potassium level is 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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