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

Extracellular fluid deficit.

Choice A rationale:

Intracellular fluid deficit is a decrease in the fluid inside the cells, which may occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Severe burns are more likely to cause extracellular fluid shifts rather than intracellular fluid deficits.

Choice B rationale:

Interstitial fluid deficit involves a decrease in fluid in the interstitial spaces between cells. While burns can lead to fluid shifts, the primary concern is fluid loss from the vascular space (extracellular fluid).

Choice C rationale:

Intracellular fluid overload is not a typical health problem associated with severe burns. Burn injuries are more likely to cause fluid loss and shifts out of the intracellular space.

Choice D rationale:

Severe burns can result in significant loss of plasma and extracellular fluid, leading to hypovolemia and extracellular fluid deficit. This fluid loss can lead to hypovolemic shock and other complications if not adequately managed.

A. 10 mg/dL. B. 18 mg/dL. C. 13 mg/dL. D. 25 mg/dL.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

25 mg/dL.

Choice A rationale:

A BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level of 10 mg/dL is within the normal range, indicating normal kidney function. There is no indication to report this value to the provider for a dehydrated client.

Choice B rationale:

A BUN level of 18 mg/dL is within the normal range as well. This value does not suggest significant dehydration, so it is not necessary to report it to the provider in this context.

Choice C rationale:

A BUN level of 13 mg/dL is also within the normal range, and similar to choices A and B, it does not indicate severe dehydration that requires immediate reporting to the provider.

Choice D rationale:

A BUN level of 25 mg/dL is elevated, which may indicate dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or other issues affecting fluid balance. Since the client is dehydrated, this elevated value needs to be reported to the provider for further evaluation and appropriate intervention.

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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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