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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Patients with bulimia are at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis due to recurrent vomiting, which leads to loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach and results in an elevated blood bicarbonate level.
Choice B rationale: Patients with COPD are more likely to develop respiratory acidosis due to retention of carbon dioxide, not metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale: Patients with venous stasis ulcers do not have a direct association with metabolic alkalosis.
Choice D rationale: Patients on dialysis are more likely to experience metabolic acidosis due to impaired kidney function and inability to excrete acid effectively.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Sodium 155 mEq/L. Choice A rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates concentrated urine and is consistent with fluid volume deficit. However, it is not the most specific finding for this condition.
Choice B rationale:
A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 19 mg/dL can be a normal value. It is within the reference range (usually around 7-20 mg/dL) and does not provide specific information about fluid volume deficit.
Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 44.9% can also be within the normal range for some individuals, and while it can be elevated in cases of fluid volume deficit, it is not as sensitive as other parameters for detecting this condition.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer because a sodium level of 155 mEq/L is elevated and indicates hypernatremia, which is associated with fluid volume deficit. Hypernatremia occurs when there is a relative lack of water in relation to the sodium concentration in the blood, and it can lead to dehydration
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