A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential causative factor?
Client has an NG tube to gastric suction.
Client has a history of alcohol abuse disorder.
Client reports drinking 3.5 to 4 L of water each day.
Client is currently prescribed spironolactone.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Client has an NG tube to gastric suction.
Choice A rationale:
Having an NG tube to gastric suction can lead to hypokalemia because the suctioning process removes potassium from the stomach contents, leading to a decrease in serum potassium levels.
Choice B rationale:
While a history of alcohol abuse disorder can lead to various electrolyte imbalances, it is not the most direct cause of hypokalemia compared to gastric suction.
Choice C rationale:
Drinking 3.5 to 4 liters of water each day can lead to dilutional hyponatremia but is less likely to cause hypokalemia directly.
Choice D rationale:
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps retain potassium in the body. Therefore, it is not a causative factor for hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer isd. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a sedative is not appropriate as the priority intervention. Sedatives can depress respiratory function, which is already compromised in this patient.
Choice B rationale:
Preparing for mechanical ventilation might be necessary if the patient’s condition worsens, but it is not the immediate priority. The priority is to identify the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Massaging the calf area for tenderness is not relevant in this context. While calf tenderness can be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism, the immediate priority is to assess for pulmonary embolism directly.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing for indications of pulmonary embolism is the priority because the patient’s symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, recent use of birth control pills, smoking history, and abnormal ABG values) strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism.Early identification and treatment are crucial to prevent further complications.
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