A nurse is collecting data from a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Which of the following data collection findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
Blood glucose 150 mg/dL
Urine specific gravity 1.035
Weight loss of 3% of total body weight.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Potassium 2.5 mEq/L. This is the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify according to the ABCDE principle, which prioritizes interventions based on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The nurse should identify potassium 2.5 mEq/L as the priority because it indicates hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that regulates the electrical activity of the heart and muscles. Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis, which can be life-threatening.
Choice B: Blood glucose 150 mg/dL. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which is a high level of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia can be caused by dehydration, stress, infection, or medication side effects.
Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and fatigue. It can also lead to complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.
Choice C: Urine specific gravity 1.035. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Urine specific gravity 1.035 indicates concentrated urine, which can be caused by dehydration or fluid loss. Dehydration can result from vomiting and diarrhea, which are common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, hypotension, and oliguria. It can also lead to complications such as shock or kidney failure, which are serious but not as urgent as hypokalemia.
Choice D: Weight loss of 3% of total body weight. This is not the priority data collection finding that the nurse should identify for a client who has acute gastroenteritis. Weight loss of 3% of total body weight indicates mild to moderate dehydration, which can be caused by fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Weight loss can also reflect loss of muscle mass or fat tissue due to malnutrition or inflammation. Weight loss can affect the client’s nutritional status and immune function, but it is not as urgent as hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: “Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours.” This is the priority action for the nurse to recommend to the client because it will help them detect and prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis or cerebral edema.
Choice B: “Consume 15 grams of carbohydrates every 1 to 2 hours.” This is an important action for the nurse to recommend to the client, but not the priority. The client should consume carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia, especially if they have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, but this should be done after monitoring their blood glucose levels.
Choice C: “Drink 8 ounces of fluid every hour while awake.” This is a necessary action for the nurse to recommend to the client, but not the priority. The client should drink fluids to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, which can worsen hyperglycemia, but this should be done after monitoring their blood glucose levels.
Choice D: “Take the usual dosage of insulin.” This is a required action for the nurse to recommend to the client, but not the priority. The client should take their insulin as prescribed to control their blood glucose levels, but this should be done after monitoring their blood glucose levels and adjusting the dosage if needed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Obtain the client’s vital signs. This is an important nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should monitor the client’s vital signs for signs of infection, fluid imbalance, or shock, but these are not as urgent as relieving the client’s pain.
Choice B: Weigh the client. This is a necessary nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should weigh the client daily to assess their fluid status and nutritional needs, but this can be done after addressing the client’s pain.
Choice C: Administer pain medication. This is the priority nursing action because the nurse should follow the principle of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and address the client’s physiological needs first. Pain can interfere with the client’s healing process and affect their quality of life.
Choice D: Change the client’s dressing. This is a required nursing action, but not the priority. The nurse should change the client’s dressing to prevent infection and promote wound healing, but this can be done after administering pain medication to make the procedure more comfortable for the client.
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