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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Tremors are a common side effect of terbutaline. Terbutaline is a medication used to inhibit uterine contractions in preterm labor. It is a beta-adrenergic agonist, and stimulation of the beta-adrenergic receptors can lead to side effects such as tremors.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Administering oxygen via face mask is a common intervention for many complications during labor. However, it is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. Late decelerations are a sign of fetal distress, often due to uteroplacental insufficiency. While oxygen can help increase oxygenation to the fetus, it does not address the root cause of the problem.
Choice B rationale
Elevating the patient’s legs is not typically the priority action when late decelerations are noted. This action would not alleviate the cause of late decelerations.
Choice C rationale
Having the patient turn to a side-lying position is often the first intervention when late decelerations are noted. This position helps increase blood flow to the placenta, potentially alleviating uteroplacental insufficiency and improving fetal oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the infusion rate of IV fluids is not the first-line intervention for late decelerations. While it may be part of the management plan, it is not the priority action.
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