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.

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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.

A. Phosphorus 4.5 mEq/L. B. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L. C. Calcium 8.2 mg/dL. D. Sodium 145 mEq/L.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.

Choice B rationale:

A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.

Choice C rationale:

A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who takes furosemide. Which of the following results should the nurse identify as the priority finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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