A nurse is providing care for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Check the client's deep tendon reflexes every 4 hr.
Encourage the client to consume more fiber.
Restrict the client's fluid intake to 500 mL/day.
Limit sodium-containing foods on the client's meal tray.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Checking the client's deep tendon reflexes every 4 hr is a appropriate action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood, which can cause neuromuscular excitability and hyperreflexia. The nurse should monitor the client's reflexes for signs of increased or decreased response, which can indicate worsening or improving hypomagnesemia.
Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to consume more fiber is not a relevant action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health and blood glucose control, but it has no direct effect on magnesium levels. The nurse should encourage the client to consume foods that are rich in magnesium, such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.
Choice C reason: Restricting the client's fluid intake to 500 mL/day is not a safe or effective action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Fluid restriction can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and kidney damage, which can worsen hypomagnesemia. The nurse should maintain the client's fluid balance and monitor their urine output and specific gravity.
Choice D reason: Limiting sodium-containing foods on the client's meal tray is not a necessary action for a nurse to take for a client who has hypomagnesemia. Sodium is not directly related to magnesium levels, and limiting sodium intake can cause hyponatremia, which is a low level of sodium in the blood. The nurse should ensure that the client receives adequate sodium intake from their diet or supplements.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Anticholinesterase medications should be taken 30 minutes before meals, not with meals. This is because they enhance the action of acetylcholine, which improves muscle strength and swallowing ability.
Choice B reason: Positioning the head of the client's bed to 40° while eating helps prevent aspiration and facilitates swallowing. This is the best action for the nurse to take for a client who has myasthenia gravis.
Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to lie down after eating is not advisable, as it increases the risk of aspiration and reflux. The client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating.
Choice D reason: Providing the client with food cut into small bites is not enough to ensure safe and adequate nutrition. The client may still have difficulty swallowing and chewing. The nurse should also offer soft, moist, and easy-to-swallow foods, and avoid foods that are dry, sticky, or hard.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dyspnea is a sign of pulmonary edema, which can occur as a complication of parenteral nutrition due to fluid overload or allergic reaction¹². The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.
Choice B reason: Parenteral nutrition should not be infused by gravity, as this can cause fluctuations in the infusion rate and lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia¹³. The nurse should use an infusion pump to deliver parenteral nutrition at a constant and controlled rate.
Choice C reason: Parenteral nutrition solution should be administered within 30 min after removing from the refrigerator, as prolonged exposure to room temperature can increase the risk of bacterial contamination and infection¹⁴. The nurse should check the expiration date and inspect the solution for any discoloration, cloudiness, or particulate matter before administration.
Choice D reason: Parenteral nutrition bag and infusion tubing should be changed every 24 hr, not every 72 hr, to prevent the growth of microorganisms and reduce the risk of infection¹⁵. The nurse should use aseptic technique when changing the bag and tubing and follow the facility's protocol for dressing changes and catheter care.
Choice E reason: Parenteral nutrition should be started only after the central venous catheter position is confirmed by radiology, as incorrect placement can cause serious complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac tamponade¹⁶. The nurse should obtain a chest x-ray and wait for the provider's confirmation before initiating parenteral nutrition.
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