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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Unplugging the cord by holding the plug is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Choice B rationale
Ensuring the plug has three prongs is the most important action to prevent electrical hazards when administering intravenous fluids. A three-prong plug is grounded and reduces the risk of electrical shock.
Choice C rationale
Avoiding rolling equipment over extension cords is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Choice D rationale
Plugging in the pump close to the socket is a good practice to prevent electrical hazards, but it is not the most important action when administering intravenous fluids.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Placing clean linen that touched the floor in the soiled linen bag is a correct practice. This is because the floor is considered dirty, and any linen that comes into contact with it should be considered contaminated.
Choice B rationale
Shaking soiled linen to remove any toilet paper remnants is not a correct practice. Shaking soiled linen can disperse pathogens into the air, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Choice C rationale
Placing the soiled linen on the floor before bagging it is not a correct practice. Soiled linen should be handled as little as possible and placed directly into a designated, leak-proof container.
Choice D rationale
Holding the soiled linen against her body while carrying it to the linen bag is not a correct practice. Soiled linen should be handled carefully to avoid contact with the body, as this can lead to contamination of the worker’s clothing and potentially spread infection.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.