A nurse is caring for four clients who have drainage tubes.
Which of the following clients should the nurse recognize as being at risk for hypokalemia?
The client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction.
The client who has a tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen.
The client who has an indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage.
The client who has a chest tube to water seal.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Patients with a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction are at risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can occur due to increased losses from the gastrointestinal tract, which can occur with NG tube suction. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, particularly in the heart and cardiovascular system. Therefore, any condition or intervention that leads to a significant loss of potassium, such as NG tube suction, can potentially lead to hypokalemia.
Choice B rationale
A tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen is primarily used to help a patient breathe. It does not typically contribute to potassium loss or imbalance. Therefore, it is not likely to increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Choice C rationale
An indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage is used to drain urine from the bladder. While the kidneys do play a role in maintaining potassium balance, the use of a urinary catheter itself does not typically lead to significant potassium loss or increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Choice D rationale
A chest tube to water seal is used to remove air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space to help the lungs expand properly. It does not typically contribute to potassium loss or imbalance.
Therefore, it is not likely to increase the risk of hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While an elevated serum ammonia level can indicate liver dysfunction, it is not typically a contraindication for liver biopsy. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is normally converted into urea by the liver, which is then excreted in the urine. Elevated levels can occur in liver disease, but they are not typically a direct concern in the context of a liver biopsy.
Choice B rationale
A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is slightly low, but it is not typically a contraindication for a liver biopsy. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While a low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, it would not typically prevent a patient from undergoing a liver biopsy.
Choice C rationale
A white blood cell count of 14.2 x 103/uL is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammation. However, this would not typically be a contraindication for a liver biopsy.
Choice D rationale
A prothrombin time of 32 seconds is significantly prolonged, indicating a potential problem with blood clotting. This would be a major concern for a nurse caring for a patient scheduled for a liver biopsy, as the procedure involves inserting a needle into the liver and could lead to bleeding. Patients with a prolonged prothrombin time are at an increased risk of bleeding complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Potassium levels are not directly affected by lactulose. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis, by reducing levels of ammonia in the blood.
Choice B rationale
Glucose levels are not directly affected by lactulose. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis, by reducing levels of ammonia in the blood.
Choice C rationale
Bicarbonate levels are not directly affected by lactulose. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis, by reducing levels of ammonia in the blood.
Choice D rationale
In clients who have cirrhosis, lactulose is used to decrease levels of ammonia in the bloodstream. Lactulose works by changing the acidity of the gut, which helps trap ammonia in the colon and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.
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