A nurse is reviewing the admission laboratory values for a client who has a history of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Potassium 2.8 mEq/L

Serum chloride 96 mEq/L

Hgb 11g/dL

Serum amylase 240 units/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a critical finding and a priority in individuals with a history of bulimia nervosa, as it can lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Frequent vomiting and laxative use, common behaviors in bulimia nervosa, can result in significant potassium loss. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range and requires immediate attention.

B. Serum chloride 96 mEq/L: While this value is within the normal range, it should be monitored. However, it is not as critical as addressing severe hypokalemia.

C. Hemoglobin (Hgb) 11 g/dL: This hemoglobin level is within the normal range and does not require immediate attention. It may be influenced by factors other than bulimia nervosa, and addressing hypokalemia is more urgent.

D. Serum amylase 240 units/L: Elevated amylase levels may indicate pancreatic inflammation, which could be related to bulimia nervosa, but it is not as urgent as addressing severe hypokalemia. The priority is managing the life-threatening electrolyte imbalance first.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Grandiosity.
Grandiosity is a symptom commonly seen in the manic phase of bipolar disorder. It involves an inflated sense of self-importance, unrealistic beliefs in one's abilities, and a perception of being involved in activities that are revolutionary or of great significance. In this scenario, the client's statement about revolutionizing the industry reflects grandiosity.

B. Clang associations involve the association of words based on sound rather than meaning and are often seen in individuals with thought disorders.

C. Flight of ideas refers to a rapid flow of thoughts, often manifested by speech that is difficult to interrupt, with topics changing rapidly.

D. Confabulation is the creation of false or distorted memories without the intention to deceive. It is not a characteristic behavior of mania in bipolar disorder.

A. Set limits on the amount of time the client talks about delusions, B. Schedule a variety of competitive stimulating group activities for the client C. Tell the client that the delusions are not real D. Avoid asking the client about triggers for the delusions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Set limits on the amount of time the client talks about delusions.Clients with paranoid delusions may fixate on them, increasing distress and reinforcing their beliefs. The nurse should allow the client to express feelings but set limits on discussions about delusions to help refocus on reality-based topics.

B. Schedule a variety of competitive stimulating group activities for the client.Competitive activities can increase stress and paranoia in a client with schizophrenia. Instead, the nurse should encourage structured, low-stimulation activities like drawing or walking.

C. Tell the client that the delusions are not real. Directly challenging the delusions can increase defensiveness and mistrust.

D. Avoid asking the client about triggers for the delusions. Identifying triggers can help prevent or manage delusional episodes. The nurse should gently explore what makes the client feel more paranoid or anxious to develop coping strategies.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is reviewing the admission laboratory values for a client who has a history of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and states that his latest computer project is "revolutionizing the industry." Which of the following behaviors is the client exhibiting?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is newly diagnosed with schizophrenia and is verbalizing paranoid delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a client who becomes upset and breaks a chair when a visitor does not arrive. The client remains agitated following initial verbal attempts to calm him down. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

A nurse is caring for a group of clients in a mental health facility. Which of the following clients recommend the physician or nurse practioner see first?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

As part of the plan of care for a client with borderline personality disorder, the nurse reviews the day's schedule with him each morning. While doing so, the client states. "Why don't you shut up already! I can read it myself, you know!" Which of the following is an appropriate nursing response?

A nurse is assisting in the development of a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following complications should the nurse include in the discussion about heroin use?

A nurse is collecting data from a newly-admitted client who has bipolar disorder and is displaying manic behavior. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who has chronic stress. The client states. i always feel so tired, but I can't sleep unless I have a cocktail or glass of wine at bedtime." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?