A nurse is caring for a client who had total thyroidectomy and a serum calcium level of 7.6 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Shortened QT intervals.

Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes.

Constipation

Tingling of the extremities

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Correct answer: D

A. Shortened QT intervals are not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Instead, prolonged QT intervals may be seen.

b. This is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Instead, hypocalcemia usually causes hyperactive deep tendon reflexes due to increased neuromuscular excitability.

c. Constipation is not a specific finding related to hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can affect smooth muscle function, but constipation is not a commonly reported symptom.

d. This is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels affect the nerves and muscles, leading to sensations of tingling, numbness, or even muscle cramps and spasms, particularly in the extremities and around the mouth.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Decreased urine specific gravity:In fluid volume deficit, urine becomes more concentrated due to decreased kidney perfusion and water conservation by the body. This results in an increased urine specific gravity.

B. Decreased Hgb:Fluid volume deficit typically leads to hemoconcentration because there is less plasma volume, which makes hemoglobin and hematocrit levels appear elevated.

C. Increased urine ketones:While increased urine ketones may occur in dehydration associated with starvation or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), it is not a hallmark finding in general fluid volume deficit. The presence of ketones depends on the underlying cause, not on fluid volume status alone.

D. Increased BUN:Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increases in fluid volume deficit because of hemoconcentration and reduced kidney perfusion, which slows the excretion of urea. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is often elevated in dehydration (>20:1).

A. Metabolic acidosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Respiratory acidosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct answer: D

A.Metabolic acidosis occurs due to either increased production of metabolic acids, such as lactic acid in anaerobic metabolism, or decreased excretion of acids, such as in renal failure.Shallow respirations would not directly cause metabolic acidosis. While they may decrease the elimination of CO2, resulting in respiratory acidosis, they do not directly affect metabolic acid-base balance.

B.Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to decreased levels of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood. Shallow respirations would not typically lead to excessive elimination of CO2; instead, they would likely result in CO2 retention, leading to respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis.

C.Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to excessive loss of acids or increased levels of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood, often caused by conditions such as vomiting, excessive diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake.Shallow respirations would not directly cause metabolic alkalosis. Again, while they may decrease CO2 elimination and lead to respiratory acidosis, they do not directly affect metabolic acid-base balance.

D.Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. Shallow respirations lead to inadequate elimination of CO2, causing it to accumulate in the bloodstream. This accumulation of CO2 results in an increase in carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH and resulting in respiratory acidosis.

Therefore, the nurse should identify the client as being at risk for developing respiratory acidosis initially due to the shallow respirations of 9/min.

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A nurse is caring for a client who had total thyroidectomy and a serum calcium level of 7.6 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid volume deficit. The nurse should expect which of the following findings?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and whose respirations are shallow and 9/min. Which of the following acid-base imbalances should the nurse identify the client as being at risk for developing initially?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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