A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client who has a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Hyperreflexia
Diarrhea
The Correct Answer is A
A potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to muscle weakness. Difficulty swallowing, hyperreflexia, and diarrhoea are not typical signs of hypokalemia.
Other choices are not correct because:
B. Difficulty swallowing: Is not a typical sign of hypokalemia.
C. Hyperreflexia: Is not a typical sign of hypokalemia.
D. Diarrhea: Is not a typical sign of hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
No explanation
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: D.
Choice A reason: Asking a patient to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10 is a common method to assess the intensity of pain, not the quality. Zero indicates no pain, and ten represents the most severe pain imaginable. This scale is quantitative and helps in tracking the effectiveness of pain management over time.
Choice B reason: Inquiring if the pain is the same as it has been is a question that assesses the consistency or changes in the patient’s pain over time. It does not provide information about the quality of the pain but rather its course or any variations in the experience of pain.
Choice C reason: Asking whether the patient has any pain this morning is a question that determines the presence or absence of pain at a particular time. It does not elicit details about the nature or characteristics of the pain, which are essential to understanding its quality.
Choice D reason: Asking “What does your pain feel like?” is a qualitative question that aims to describe the characteristics of the pain, such as aching, stabbing, or burning. This information is crucial for diagnosing the cause of pain and tailoring appropriate treatment strategies. It directly addresses the quality of the pain, which is the focus of the nurse’s inquiry.

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