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. Thrombocytopenia: Neither atenolol nor nitroglycerin is commonly associated with thrombocytopenia. This is not the primary concern when these two medications are used together.
B. Dry cough: A dry cough is a known side effect of ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), but it is not commonly associated with atenolol or nitroglycerin.
C. Hypotension: Both atenolol (a beta-blocker) and nitroglycerin (a vasodilator) can lower blood pressure. When taken together, there is an increased risk of hypotension, especially when standing up quickly. The nurse should monitor the client for symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness.
D. Hyperglycemia: Atenolol may mask signs of hypoglycemia in clients with diabetes, but it does not directly cause hyperglycemia. Nitroglycerin is not typically associated with hyperglycemia either. Therefore, hyperglycemia is not a concern in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Verify the medication three times with the medication administration record.": This is the best practice for ensuring the correct medication is administered. The nurse should verify the medication when removing it from storage, before preparing the medication, and at the bedside before giving it to the patient to ensure the right drug, dose, patient, time, and route.
B. "Administer time-critical medication 60 min before or after the scheduled time.": Time-critical medications should be administered within a specified window of 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time, not 60 minutes. Administering medication too early or late could compromise its effectiveness.
C. "Identify the client by using one identifier before giving the medication.": The correct approach is to use two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) to verify the client's identity, not just one. This reduces the risk of medication errors.
D. "Document medication administration prior to administering medication.": Documentation should occur after medication administration, not before, to ensure accurate recordkeeping of the event.
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