A nurse is caring for a client who is a long-term alcoholic. The client presents to the emergency department with vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Which findings would the nurse expect to find in this client?

dysphagia

hypoactive deep tendon reflexes (DTR)

hypomagnesemia

positive Chvostek sign hypertension

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Dysphagia: While dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can occur in individuals with long-term alcohol use, especially if there is coexisting neurological damage or esophageal disorders, it is not specifically associated with vomiting and diarrhea in the context of this scenario. The primary concern here involves electrolyte imbalances.

B) Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes (DTR): Hypoactive DTRs are typically associated with hypermagnesemia rather than hypomagnesemia. In this case, the client's condition is more likely to lead to electrolyte deficiencies, including hypomagnesemia, due to vomiting, diarrhea, and poor nutritional intake.

C) Hypomagnesemia: Chronic alcohol use often results in nutritional deficiencies, and vomiting and diarrhea can further exacerbate this by depleting electrolytes. Hypomagnesemia is a common finding in long-term alcoholics due to poor dietary intake, gastrointestinal losses, and renal losses. This can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and altered mental status. Hypomagnesemia is particularly concerning because it can affect cardiovascular stability and neuromuscular function.

D) Positive Chvostek sign: A positive Chvostek sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, which can occur secondary to hypomagnesemia. However, it is not as directly associated with chronic alcoholism as hypomagnesemia itself. The positive Chvostek sign involves a facial muscle spasm in response to tapping the facial nerve and indicates neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels. While related, the primary electrolyte imbalance expected here is hypomagnesemia.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) "Your daily intake of fats should be limited to no more than 35% of your daily caloric intake":

Current dietary guidelines typically recommend limiting fat intake to less than 30% of total daily calories, not 35%, for optimal heart health. This recommendation is slightly higher than what is generally advised for managing high cholesterol.

B) "You should avoid trans-fat as much as possible":

Trans fats significantly increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels and decrease HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Avoiding trans fats is crucial in managing high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk, making this the most important recommendation.

C) "Your main sources of protein should be red meat":

Red meat, particularly processed red meat, is associated with higher cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk. It is generally recommended to choose lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and plant-based sources, over red meat.

D) "Fats provide the highest amount of energy per gram":

While fats do provide more energy per gram than carbohydrates or proteins, this statement does not directly address the management of cholesterol levels. The focus should be on the type of fats consumed rather than their energy content.

E) "Your intake of fats should be unsaturated fats":

While consuming unsaturated fats is beneficial, avoiding trans fats specifically addresses a more immediate concern for those with high cholesterol. Option B emphasizes the importance of eliminating harmful fats.

A. They must also take a vitamin D supplement. B. Reduce sodium intake. C. Decrease the amount of fiber in your diet. D. Take the medication with orange juice to increase absorption.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) They must also take a vitamin D supplement: Calcium absorption is highly dependent on vitamin D, which facilitates the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Taking a vitamin D supplement alongside calcium ensures effective utilization of calcium, improving bone health and preventing deficiencies.

B) Reduce sodium intake: While reducing sodium intake can benefit overall health and reduce fluid retention, it is not directly related to the absorption of calcium supplements. The focus should be on ensuring adequate vitamin D levels for proper calcium absorption.

C) Decrease the amount of fiber in your diet: High fiber diets do not necessarily hinder calcium absorption to a significant extent. In fact, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate fiber is important for overall health. Fiber does not need to be reduced specifically for better calcium absorption.

D) Take the medication with orange juice to increase absorption: Orange juice is high in vitamin C, which does not significantly impact calcium absorption. Calcium supplements are best taken with vitamin D or with meals to enhance absorption, rather than with orange juice alone.

View Question and Answer

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

﻿A nurse is caring for a client who is a long-term alcoholic. The client presents to the emergency department with vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Which findings would the nurse expect to find in this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing nutritional education to a client recently diagnosed with high cholesterol. The nurse should provide the client with which statements regarding their diet restrictions?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who needs to start taking a calcium supplement. Which recommendation should the nurse make about taking calcium supplements?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed a mechanical soft diet. Which food choice would be appropriate for this client to have included in their diet?

﻿A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia and requires IV fluid therapy. Which solution should the nurse prepare to infuse for this client?

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with a current blood potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which finding would this client have?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy. This morning's labs show a calcium level of 3 mg/dL (9- 10.5 mg/dL). Which assessment would the nurse anticipate to be positive?

A nurse is teaching a client about foods that are included on a clear liquid diet. Which food choice would be appropriate for this client?

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia and requires IV fluid therapy. Which solution should the nurse prepare to infuse for this client?

A nurse is monitoring a client who reports having chills and back pain during a blood transfusion. What is the nurse's PRIORITY action to complete?

A nurse is caring for a client who is a long-term alcoholic. The client presents to the emergency department with vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Which findings would the nurse expect to find in this client?