A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The glucose is 72 mg/dL, chloride is 100 mEq/L, sodium is 138 mEq/L, and potassium is 3.0 mEq/L. What action should the nurse plan to take?
Administer glucagon IM.
Discontinue the TPN infusion.
Request a potassium replacement.
Check the patient for a positive Chvostek’s sign.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Step 1 is to interpret the laboratory values. The glucose level is within the normal range (7099 mg/dL). The chloride level is within the normal range (97-107 mEq/L). The sodium level is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L). However, the potassium level is low (normal range is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L)89101112.
Step 2 is to plan the action based on the interpretation. Given the low potassium level, the nurse should plan to request a potassium replacement
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Hypotension: Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to hypotension.
B. Bradycardia: Bradycardia is not typically a symptom of dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
C. Pale yellow urine: Dehydration can cause urine to become concentrated, resulting in a darker color, not pale yellow.
D. Poor skin turgor: Dehydration can cause poor skin turgor, which is skin that lacks elasticity.
E. Flat neck veins: Dehydration can cause flat neck veins when the patient is lying supine.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypothermia is not a typical finding in a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Diarrhea does not typically affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
Choice B rationale
Dehydration is a common finding in a client who has had diarrhea for several days. Diarrhea can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, causing dehydration.
Choice C rationale
Decreased bowel sounds are not typically associated with diarrhea. In fact, hyperactive bowel sounds are more common due to increased intestinal motility.
Choice D rationale
A rigid abdomen is not a typical finding in a client who has had diarrhea for several days. A rigid abdomen may indicate a serious condition such as peritonitis or bowel obstruction, which are not typically associated with diarrhea.
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