A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
Decreased calcium level
Decreased potassium level
Elevated sodium level
Elevated magnesium level
The Correct Answer is B
A. Postoperative ileus and NG tube drainage are not typically associated with decreased calcium levels.
B. The nurse should monitor for electrolyte imbalances, particularly a decreased potassium level. This is because the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, contains a high concentration of potassium, and substantial losses can occur with ongoing gastric suctioning.
C. NG tube drainage does not typically result in elevated sodium levels.
D. NG tube drainage does not typically result in elevated magnesium levels.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. In respiratory acidosis, the pH would be lower than normal due to an excess of carbon dioxide.
B. PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) would be elevated in respiratory acidosis because of inadequate ventilation leading to CO2 retention.
C. Potassium levels may vary depending on other factors but are not directly related to respiratory acidosis.
D. HCO3 (bicarbonate) levels may be normal or increased compensatorily in chronic respiratory acidosis, not necessarily decreased.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated, is incorrect because there is no evidence of respiratory compensation (normal PaCO2).
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated, is incorrect because the pH is high, not low as would be expected in acidosis, and the PaCO2 is normal, not high.
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Uncompensated, is incorrect because the primary problem is metabolic (high HCO3), not respiratory, and the PaCO2 is normal, not low as would be seen in respiratory alkalosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. In this scenario, the pH is elevated (7.5) and the bicarbonate (HCO3) level is high (34 mmol/L), indicating alkalosis. Vomiting leads to loss of gastric acid (hydrochloric acid), causing metabolic alkalosis. The respiratory system has not yet compensated fully for the alkalosis, as indicated by the normal PaCO2 (40 mm Hg).
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