A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Respiratory acidosis
Hypermagnesemia
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Respiratory acidosis is incorrect. Chronic diarrhea typically leads to metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs due to the loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea, which affects the body’s acid-base balance.
B. Hypermagnesemia is incorrect. Chronic diarrhea is more likely to lead to hypomagnesemia due to the loss of electrolytes through frequent bowel movements, not an increase in magnesium levels.
C. Hypertension is incorrect. Chronic diarrhea generally leads to dehydration and hypotension due to fluid loss rather than high blood pressure.
D. Hypokalemia is correct. Chronic diarrhea causes significant potassium loss, which can result in hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Potassium is lost in the stool, and this depletion can lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Turning on overhead lights briefly when checking IV lines is incorrect. Bright lights can disrupt sleep cycles, especially for clients who are light-sensitive or have fragmented sleep patterns. Instead, using a flashlight or bedside lamp is recommended to minimize disturbances.
B. Opening curtains between clients in semiprivate rooms is incorrect. Keeping curtains closed provides privacy and helps block light and noise, both of which can interfere with restful sleep.
C. Wearing shoes with rubber soles is correct. Rubber-soled shoes reduce noise from footsteps, minimizing disturbances in client rooms and creating a quieter environment that promotes sleep.
D. Conducting change-of-shift report near the clients' rooms is incorrect. Shift reports should be conducted away from patient areas to prevent unnecessary noise and disruption during sleep hours.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "A client who has a sodium level of 140 mEq/L after one episode of diarrhea." This is the correct choice. A sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range, and the client has had only one episode of diarrhea, suggesting that they are stable and could be safely discharged.
B. "A client who is 3 days postoperative following a hip arthroplasty and has a warm, red area on his left calf." This is a concern. The warm, red area on the calf could indicate the presence of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or infection, both of which require further evaluation and management.
C. "A client who has atrial fibrillation and an INR of 4." This is concerning. An INR of 4 indicates an increased risk of bleeding, which requires closer monitoring and potentially adjusting the anticoagulation therapy before discharge.
D. "A client who reports chest pain after ambulating." This is an urgent issue that needs immediate attention. Chest pain could indicate a serious cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction, and the client should not be discharged until further evaluation is performed.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
