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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Why do you think you are hearing the voices?" This question may come across as confrontational and might make the client defensive. It's better to focus on the content of the hallucinations rather than questioning the client's perception.

B. "What are the voices telling you to do?"
This response is appropriate because it acknowledges the client's experience, shows empathy, and encourages the client to express their thoughts and feelings. It is important to gather more information about the content of the hallucinations and delusions to understand the client's perception of reality.

C. "You need to tell the voices to leave you alone." This response oversimplifies the experience of hallucinations and may not be helpful. Telling the client to dismiss the voices is unlikely to be effective and may lead to frustration.

D. "You need to understand that there are no voices." Denying the client's experience is not therapeutic. It's essential to validate the client's feelings and explore their subjective experience rather than dismissing it outright.

A. A client taking olanzapine who experiences dizziness upon standing B. A client taking clozapine who has a sore throat and mild fever. C. client taking risperidone who has gained 5 lb in 3 weeks. D. A client taking chlorpromazine who is napping frequently throughout the day

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. A client taking olanzapine who experiences dizziness upon standing: While dizziness is a potential side effect, it is not as immediately concerning as the symptoms in the client taking clozapine. Orthostatic hypotension is a known side effect of some antipsychotic medications, and the client may need to be assessed for orthostatic changes.

B. A client taking clozapine who has a sore throat and mild fever.
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic that can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count. A sore throat and mild fever can be early signs of infection, and it's crucial to evaluate the client promptly for any indications of agranulocytosis. Regular monitoring of complete blood counts is essential for clients taking clozapine.

C. A client taking risperidone who has gained 5 lb in 3 weeks: Weight gain is a side effect of many antipsychotic medications, including risperidone. While it's important to monitor weight changes, gaining 5 lb in 3 weeks is not as urgent as potential signs of agranulocytosis in the client taking clozapine.

D. A client taking chlorpromazine who is napping frequently throughout the day: Frequent napping may be related to sedation, a common side effect of chlorpromazine. While it's important to assess and address sedation, it is not as urgent as potential signs of infection or agranulocytosis in the client taking clozapine

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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

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