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 chest tube to water seal
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 nasogastric (NG) tube to suction
The Correct Answer is D
A. A chest tube to water seal is used to remove air or fluid from the pleural space. This does not directly impact the client's potassium levels.
B. A tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen delivers oxygen directly to the client's airway and does not have a direct effect on potassium levels.
C. An indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage does not typically cause significant potassium loss. Urinary catheters primarily collect urine, which contains waste products, rather than electrolytes like potassium.
D. A client with an NG tube to suction may experience loss of gastric contents, which can lead to the loss of electrolytes, including potassium. This places the client at risk for hypokalemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Diluting each medication with tap water is not a recommended practice. It's important to administer medications in their prescribed form to ensure the client receives the correct dose.
B. Pinching the tube prior to attaching the medication syringe helps prevent the medication from being immediately pulled into the suction equipment. This allows the medication to stay in the stomach for absorption.
C. Reattaching the suction directly after administering the medication would
immediately start suctioning again, which could pull the medication out of the stomach before it has a chance to be absorbed.
D. Mixing the three medications together is not recommended, as some medications may interact with each other, potentially leading to undesirable effects. Each medication should be administered separately to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Requesting a prescription for an indwelling urinary catheter should be considered a last resort. Catheters come with risks of infection and other complications, so they should only be used when other interventions have failed.
B. Taking the client to the bathroom every 2 hours is a proactive approach to managing urinary incontinence in older adults with dementia. This helps ensure that the client has regular opportunities to empty their bladder, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
C. Reminding the client to tell the nurse when he has to urinate may not be effective in clients with dementia, as they may have difficulty recognizing or communicating their need to urinate.
D. Using adult diapers should also be considered a last resort and should not be the primary intervention. While they can provide a temporary solution, they do not address the underlying issue and can contribute to skin problems if not changed frequently.
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