A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Decreased serum pH.

Increased serum calcium.

Decreased serum magnesium.

Increased serum bicarbonate.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A: Decreased serum pH. This is incorrect because hypokalemia usually causes increased serum pH, not decreased. This is because low potassium levels can lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the blood is too alkaline due to loss of acid from the body. This can happen in cases of vomiting, diuretic use, or mineralocorticoid excess.

Choice B:

Increased serum calcium. This is incorrect because hypokalemia does not directly affect serum calcium levels. However, hypokalemia can cause hypomagnesemia, or low magnesium levels, which can in turn cause hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels. This is because magnesium is needed for the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium balance in the body. Low magnesium levels can lead to increased PTH secretion and increased calcium reabsorption from the bones and kidneys.

Choice C:

Decreased serum magnesium. This is correct because hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia often occur together, especially in cases of chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, alcoholism, or diuretic use. This is because potassium and magnesium are both lost in the urine or stool when these conditions are present. Hypomagnesemia can also cause hypokalemia by impairing the reabsorption of potassium in the kidneys and increasing the entry of potassium into the cells.

Choice D:

Increased serum bicarbonate. This is incorrect because hypokalemia usually causes decreased serum bicarbonate, not increased. This is because low potassium levels can lead to metabolic acidosis, a condition where the blood is too acidic due to accumulation of acid in the body. This can happen in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis, renal tubular acidosis, or chronic kidney disease.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution, not a hypotonic one. Isotonic solutions have the same concentration of solutes as blood plasma and do not cause fluid movement across the cell membrane.

Choice B reason:

This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution, not a hypertonic one. Hypertonic solutions have a higher concentration of solutes than blood plasma and cause fluid to move out of the cells and into the vascular space.

Choice C reason:

This is correct because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution that will expand the vascular space by adding fluid without changing the concentration of solutes. This is useful for patients with hyponatremia (low sodium level in the blood) who need to restore their fluid and electrolyte balance.

Choice D reason:

This is incorrect because 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is an isotonic solution that will expand the vascular space by adding fluid without changing the concentration of solutes. It will not have no effect on fluid movement, as it will increase the intravascular volume.

A. Monitor blood glucose levels. B. Check for signs of phlebitis at the IV site. C. Assess for fluid overload. D. Evaluate serum sodium levels. E. Observe for signs of hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason:

The nurse should monitor blood glucose levels because dextrose 10% in water (D10W) is a hypertonic solution that contains glucose and can raise the blood sugar level of the patient. The nurse should check the blood glucose level before and after administering D10W to prevent hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should check for signs of phlebitis at the IV site because D10W is acidic and can cause venous irritation. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein that can result from chemical, mechanical or bacterial causes. Signs of phlebitis include pain, redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness at the IV site.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should assess for fluid overload because D10W is quickly metabolized, leaving behind water that can move into the interstitial space. Fluid overload can cause edema, dyspnea, crackles, distended neck veins, increased blood pressure and decreased urine output. The nurse should monitor the intake and output, vital signs, weight and breath sounds of the patient.

Choice D reason:

The nurse does not need to evaluate serum sodium levels because D10W does not contain sodium or affect the sodium balance of the patient. D10W is used to provide some nutrition with glucose, not to correct electrolyte imbalances.

Choice E reason:

The nurse does not need to observe for signs of hypoglycemia because D10W is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia unless there is a sudden interruption or discontinuation of the infusion. Hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level that can cause shakiness, diaphoresis, confusion, weakness, hunger and headache. The nurse should monitor the blood glucose level and administer D10W at a steady rate to prevent hypoglycemia.

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A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to hang a bag of 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) for a patient who has hyponatremia. The nurse knows that this type of solution is:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is administering dextrose 10% in water (D10W) to a patient who needs some nutrition with glucose. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

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