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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: Place the client on bedrest. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Placing the client on bedrest can increase the risk of complications such as thromboembolism, pressure ulcers, and muscle atrophy. The nurse should encourage the client to perform gentle exercises and change positions frequently.

Choice B: Apply warm blankets. This is an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and aﬀects the energy expenditure and body temperature. Myxedema is a severe form of hypothyroidism that causes swelling of the skin and tissues due to accumulation of mucopolysaccharides. Applying warm blankets can help maintain the client’s body temperature and prevent hypothermia, which is a low body temperature.

Choice C: Check the client for weight loss. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Checking the client for weight loss can indicate hyperthyroidism, which is a condition that occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss due to increased metabolic rate and appetite. The nurse should check the client for weight gain, which can indicate hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate and ﬂuid retention.

Choice D: Limit high-fiber foods. This is not an intervention that the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Limiting high-fiber foods can cause constipation, which can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The nurse should encourage the client to eat high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote bowel regularity and prevent constipation.

A. Notify the nurse manager. B. Give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate. C. Complete an incident report. D. Check the client’s blood glucose level.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Notify the nurse manager. This is an important action that the nurse should take, but not a priority. The nurse should notify the nurse manager to report the error and seek guidance on how to proceed. The nurse manager can also provide support and feedback to the nurse and help prevent similar errors in the future.

Choice B: Give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrate. This is a necessary action that the nurse should take, but not the priority. The nurse should give the client 15 to 20 g of carbohydrates to raise their blood glucose level and prevent or treat hypoglycemia. The nurse should choose a fast-acting carbohydrate source, such as juice, glucose tablets, or candy.

Choice C: Complete an incident report. This is a required action that the nurse should take, but not the priority. The nurse should complete an incident report to document the error and its consequences. The incident report can help identify the root cause of the error and improve patient safety and quality of care.

Choice D: Check the client’s blood glucose level. This is the priority action that the nurse should identify according to the ABCDE principle, which prioritizes interventions based on airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure. The nurse should check the client’s blood glucose level to confirm the error and assess the risk of hypoglycemia, which is a low level of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as sweating, trembling, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has hypothyroidism with myxedema. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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