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","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Romaine lettuce is a good dietary source of magnesium. Since the patient has a low serum magnesium level, suggesting foods rich in magnesium like romaine lettuce can help improve magnesium levels.
Choice B rationale:
Lean red meat is not a good suggestion for a patient with low magnesium levels. While it contains magnesium, it is not as rich in magnesium as some other food choices.
Choice C rationale:
Almonds are a good dietary source of magnesium and can be recommended to the patient with low magnesium levels to help increase their magnesium intake.
Choice D rationale:
White rice is not a significant source of magnesium and may not be helpful in improving the patient's low magnesium levels.
Choice E rationale:
Seafood is a good source of various nutrients but is not particularly rich in magnesium compared to other options like almonds and romaine lettuce. Thus, it may not be the best suggestion for the patient's low magnesium levels.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sodium level is a laboratory parameter that can be helpful in assessing fluid balance, but it does not directly measure fluid retention. Abnormal sodium levels may indicate fluid imbalances, but it is not the most reliable measure of fluid retention.
Choice B rationale:
Tissue turgor refers to the skin's elasticity, and it can be used to assess dehydration rather than fluid retention. Poor turgor may indicate dehydration, but it does not specifically measure fluid volume increase.
Choice C rationale:
Daily weight is a reliable measure of fluid retention. An increase in weight over a short period may indicate fluid accumulation in the body, while a decrease in weight could signify fluid loss. It is essential to monitor weight consistently under standardized conditions (e.g., same time, same clothing) for accurate assessment.
Choice D rationale:
Intake and output records provide information about fluid intake and output but may not always reflect fluid retention accurately. It is helpful for assessing fluid balance, but daily weight is a more direct and reliable measure of fluid retention.
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