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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Urine specific gravity 1.020.

Choice A rationale:

Urine specific gravity is a measure of urine concentration, indicating the ability of the kidneys to concentrate or dilute urine. A specific gravity of 1.020 falls within the normal range (typically 1.010 to 1.030). An appropriate specific gravity indicates that the client's kidneys are responding well to the IV fluids, maintaining adequate urine output and concentration.

Choice B rationale:

Potassium level of 5.2 mEq/L is above the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. However, this value does not specifically indicate whether the client is responding effectively to the IV fluids for dehydration.

Choice C rationale:

Hct (Hematocrit) of 6296 is not a valid measurement; it appears to be a typographical error or an incomplete value. Therefore, it cannot be used to assess the client's response to treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Sodium level of 165 mEq/L is elevated beyond the normal range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. However, this value does not provide information about the client's response to IV fluids for dehydration.

A. Hypocalcemia B. Hypernatremia. C. Hyperkalemia. D. D. Potential Condition. Action to Take 1: Prepare to check a serum albumin level. Action to Take 2: Request a STAT ECG. Parameters to Monitor 1: Serum bicarbonate level. Parameters to Monitor 2: Intake and Output.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Potential Condition.

Based on the provided information, it's challenging to make a definitive diagnosis with the given laboratory results and clinical presentation. The client's symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspnea, yellow sclera, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, suggest a complex clinical picture that requires further investigation and assessment. Action to Take 1: Notify the provider. Rationale: The client's condition appears to be critical and requires immediate medical attention. Notifying the provider will initiate a comprehensive evaluation and potential interventions. Action to Take 2: Withhold medication for diarrhea until the underlying cause is determined. Rationale: Diarrhea can be a symptom of various conditions, and administering medication without a clear diagnosis may mask important clinical information. Parameters to Monitor 1: Serum bicarbonate level.

Rationale:

Monitoring serum bicarbonate levels can help identify potential acid-base imbalances and assess the client's metabolic status, especially given the history of end-stage renal disease. Parameters to Monitor 2: Intake and Output. Rationale: Monitoring intake and output is essential to assess fluid balance and kidney function, especially in a client with end- stage renal disease and potential electrolyte imbalances.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving IV fluids to correct dehydration. Which of the following laboratory values should indicate to the nurse that the client is effectively responding to treatment?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient is admitted with hypernatremia caused by being stranded on a boat in the Atlantic Ocean for five days without a fresh water source. What is this patient at risk for developing?

A patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia. After reviewing the patient's current medications, which drug should the nurse consider that might have contributed to the patient's health problem?

A nurse is teaching a client who is on a low-sodium diet. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select All that Apply.).

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an IV infusion of dextrose 10% in water. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is anxious and dizzy following a traumatic experience. The arterial blood gas findings include: pH 7.48, PaO2 110, PaCO2 25, and HCO3 24. Which intervention should the nurse expect to be prescribed to correct this problem?

A nurse is caring for four hospitalized clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?

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.