A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who takes furosemide. Which of the following results should the nurse identify as the priority finding?

Phosphorus 4.5 mEq/L.

Potassium 2.9 mEq/L.

Calcium 8.2 mg/dL.

Sodium 145 mEq/L.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.

Choice B rationale:

A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.

Choice C rationale:

A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can present with symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling. However, this choice is not relevant to the patient's symptoms in the scenario.

Choice B rationale:

Hypercalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood. It can lead to ECG changes and symptoms like muscle weakness, confusion, and constipation. However, this is not the correct answer in the given scenario.

Choice C rationale:

The patient's symptoms of ECG changes and muscle weakness are consistent with hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and its use can lead to increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can affect the heart's electrical activity and cause muscle weakness.

Choice D rationale:

Hypokalemia is a condition where there is a low level of potassium in the blood. It can lead to muscle weakness, ECG changes, and other symptoms, but it is not the correct answer in this specific situation involving spironolactone use.

A. Normal saline. B. Potassium phosphate. C. Additional milk intake. D. Increased Vitamin D intake.

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

Explanation

The correct answers are Choices B, C, and D.

Choice A rationale: Normal saline is not typically used to treat low phosphate levels. It is often used to treat dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that do not include hypophosphatemia.

Choice B rationale: Potassium phosphate is used to treat low phosphate levels. It directly supplements phosphate levels in the body, making it an appropriate treatment for hypophosphatemia.

Choice C rationale: Additional milk intake can help increase phosphate levels, as milk is a good source of phosphate. This is a suitable recommendation for a patient with low phosphate levels.

Choice D rationale: Increased Vitamin D intake can enhance phosphate absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, making it a beneficial treatment for a patient with low phosphate levels.

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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who takes furosemide. Which of the following results should the nurse identify as the priority finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient has a serum phosphate level of 2.0 mg/dL. Which treatments should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient? Select all that apply.

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

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. For which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.).

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