A nurse is caring for a client who arrives at the emergency department and reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days. The client's serum potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Administer an IV potassium drip.

Listen to the client's bowel sounds.

Check the client's hand grasps.

Initiate cardiac monitoring for the client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The client has hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should initiate cardiac monitoring first to assess the client's heart rhythm and rate, and intervene if any abnormalities are detected. Administering an IV potassium drip is an appropriate intervention for hypokalemia, but it is not the first priority. Listening to the client's bowel sounds and checking the client's hand grasps are also relevant assessments for hypokalemia, as it can cause decreased bowel motility and muscle weakness, but they are not as urgent as cardiac monitoring.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse should expect disequilibrium with movement if the client has impaired function of the vestibulocochlear nerve, as this nerve is responsible for hearing and balance. Deviation of the tongue from midline indicates impairment of the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), loss of peripheral vision indicates impairment of the optic nerve (cranial nerve II), and inability to smell indicates impairment of the olfactory nerve (cranial nerve I).

A. Decreased bowel sounds B. Increased central venous pressure C. Confusion D. Hyperreflexia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which is a condition where there is an excess of water relative to sodium in the body fluids. Hyponatremia can cause various neurological symptoms such as confusion, lethargy, seizures, coma, and death.

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A nurse is caring for a client who arrives at the emergency department and reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days. The client's serum potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is performing a cranial nerve assessment on a client following a head injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect if the client has impaired function of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has a serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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