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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hyperexcitability is not typically associated with major depressive disorder. In fact, individuals with depression often experience a decrease in energy, motivation, and overall activity levels.
B. Significant change in weight.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often associated with changes in appetite and weight. Clients with MDD may experience either weight loss or weight gain. This can result from changes in eating habits related to the individual's emotional state.
C. Exaggerated response of pleasure to stimuli is not a characteristic finding in major depressive disorder. In contrast, individuals with depression may experience anhedonia, which is a reduced ability to experience pleasure from previously enjoyable activities.
D. Attention-seeking behavior is not a specific characteristic of major depressive disorder. Individuals with depression may withdraw socially and experience difficulties in concentration and attention.
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