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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. Certain lifestyle habits and diet can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms. Alcohol and caffeine are among the substances that can aggravate
GERD123. They can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Therefore, reducing or avoiding alcohol and caffeine can help manage GERD symptoms.
Choice B rationale
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause or worsen GERD symptoms. It can irritate the esophagus and stomach lining, leading to heartburn and other GERD symptoms. Therefore, it’s not advisable to take aspirin if you have GERD12.
Choice C rationale
While it’s important to avoid mercury-containing foods due to their potential health risks, there’s no specific link between these foods and GERD12. GERD is primarily triggered by foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter, cause stomach distension, or irritate the esophagus. Mercury-containing foods do not fall into these categories.
Choice D rationale
Lying down after eating can indeed increase the onset of GERD123. When you lie down, it’s easier for stomach acid to backflow into the esophagus. This is why it’s recommended to wait at least 2-3 hours after eating before lying down.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While having a room within view of the nurses’ station can be beneficial for monitoring the patient, it does not specifically address the needs of a patient with active tuberculosis.
Choice B rationale
Placing a patient with active tuberculosis in a room with another non-surgical patient could potentially expose the other patient to the disease. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease and can easily spread to others in close proximity.
Choice C rationale
A room with air exhaust directly to the outdoor environment is the most appropriate choice for a patient with active tuberculosis. This type of room, known as a negative pressure room, helps prevent the spread of airborne diseases like tuberculosis. The air in the room is vented outside, reducing the risk of the disease spreading to other areas of the hospital.
Choice D rationale
While the ICU is equipped to handle severe and critical cases, a patient with active tuberculosis does not necessarily need to be in the ICU unless they are critically ill. Moreover, placing them in the ICU could potentially expose other critically ill patients to tuberculosis.
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