A nurse is caring for four clients who have various types of drainage tubes.
Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for hypokalemia?
The client who has an indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage
The client who has a chest tube to water seal
The client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction
The client who has a tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
The client who has an indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage is not at risk for hypokalemia. The kidneys regulate the balance of potassium by removing excess potassium into the urine. The use of a urinary catheter would not affect this process.
Choice B rationale
The client who has a chest tube to water seal is not at risk for hypokalemia. Chest tubes are used to treat conditions that can cause the lung to collapse, such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pleural effusion. They do not affect the body’s potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
The client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction is at risk for hypokalemia. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can occur with loss of gastric fluids because these fluids contain potassium. With an NG tube to suction, these fluids are being removed from the body, which can lead to a decrease in potassium levels.
Choice D rationale
The client who has a tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen is not at risk for hypokalemia. A tracheostomy tube allows air to enter the lungs. It does not affect the body’s potassium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While an elevated WBC count can indicate an infection, it is not the most important symptom to monitor in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is primarily a platelet disorder, and while infection can trigger or exacerbate the condition, an elevated WBC count is not a direct symptom of ITP78.
Choice B rationale
Fever can be a sign of infection, which can trigger or exacerbate ITP. However, it is not the most important symptom to monitor in a patient with ITP78.
Choice C rationale
Ecchymosis, or bruising, is a key symptom of ITP. Because ITP involves a decrease in platelets, which are necessary for clotting, patients with this condition are prone to bruising and bleeding. Therefore, monitoring for ecchymosis is crucial.
Choice D rationale
Fatigue can be a symptom of ITP, but it is not the most important symptom to monitor. While fatigue can impact a patient’s quality of life, it does not directly indicate the severity of the condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Taking ferrous sulfate between meals can help increase absorption of the medication. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. However, it may need to be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that ferrous sulfate can cause nausea, this is not the primary reason for taking it between meals. The main goal is to enhance absorption.
Choice C rationale
There’s no evidence to suggest that taking ferrous sulfate with food increases the risk of esophagitis.
Choice D rationale
While constipation can be a side effect of ferrous sulfate, taking it between meals does not necessarily prevent this.
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