A nurse is preparing to remove an NG tube for a client who is postoperative following colon surgery. In which order should the nurse perform the following steps?

(Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Choice A Reason:

Hyperkalemia is incorrect. Vomiting and diarrhea typically lead to a loss of potassium rather than an increase. These conditions often result in depletion of electrolytes, including potassium, due to the loss of fluids.

Choice B Reason:

Hypocalcemia is correct. While prolonged or severe diarrhea could potentially lead to some electrolyte imbalances, hypocalcemia is not typically a primary finding associated with vomiting and diarrhea. Calcium levels may not be significantly affected by these symptoms compared to sodium and potassium.

Choice C Reason:

Hypermagnesemia is incorrect. Similar to calcium, magnesium levels are not usually significantly impacted by vomiting and diarrhea alone. Hypermagnesemia is more commonly associated with excessive intake of magnesium-containing medications or renal dysfunction rather than acute gastrointestinal symptoms.

In a client experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, the loss of fluids and electrolytes due to these symptoms commonly leads to:

Choice D Reason:

Hyponatremia is correct. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium and water, leading to decreased sodium levels in the blood, which manifests as hyponatremia. This electrolyte imbalance is a typical finding in individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues with fluid loss.

Choice A Reason:

Asking the client to state their room number is incorrect. A client with advanced dementia might not reliably remember or be able to state their room number, so this might not be a reliable method for identification.

Choice B Reason:

Having the client state their phone number is incorrect. Similar to the room number, relying on the client to state their phone number might not be feasible or reliable in cases of advanced dementia.

Choice C Reason:

Requesting an assistive personnel to identify the client is incorrect. While asking another staff member might seem practical, it might not ensure accurate identification, especially if the personnel is not directly involved in the client's care or isn't familiar enough with the client's identity due to frequent rotations or duties.

Choice D Reason:

Reviewing the client's photograph in the medical record is correct. Reviewing the client's photograph in the medical record is a reliable method to confirm the client's identity, especially in cases where the client might have difficulty providing other personal information due to advanced dementia.