A patient who performs dialysis at home using a catheter placed through the abdominal wall reports nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fluid discharge from the catheter site. The laboratory reports reveal an increased white blood cell count (WBC). Which condition does the nurse suspect in the patient?
Peritonitis
Pericarditis
Pleuritis
Intraperitoneal bleeding
The Correct Answer is A
A. This is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It's a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Fluid discharge from the catheter site and an increased white blood cell count are also indicative of infection, supporting the diagnosis of peritonitis.
B. This is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms typically include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.
C. This is inflammation of the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dry cough.
D. This would present with severe abdominal pain, hypotension, and signs of shock. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are not typical symptoms.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Calcium gluconate does not directly affect the elimination of potassium from the body or its excretion in the stool. It does not act on the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract to remove potassium. Its primary role is to stabilize the cardiac membrane.
B. Calcium gluconate stabilizes the cardiac membrane and reduces the risk of dysrhythmias associated with elevated serum potassium levels. Hyperkalemia can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, and calcium gluconate helps to counteract these effects by protecting the heart muscle.
C. Calcium gluconate does not cause potassium to shift from the blood into the cells. The shift of potassium into cells is typically induced by other treatments such as insulin and glucose or beta- agonists. Calcium gluconate does not have this effect.
D. Calcium gluconate does not increase serum potassium levels. It primarily serves to protect the heart from the effects of high potassium levels. It does not have a direct effect on the potassium level itself but helps manage the consequences of hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. These values are within normal ranges.
B. BUN is low, but potassium and creatinine are within normal ranges.
C. Elevated potassium (hyperkalemia), low hemoglobin (anemia), and elevated creatinine are all classic signs of chronic kidney disease.
D. BUN and creatinine are slightly elevated, but not to a level indicative of chronic kidney disease. Potassium is within normal range.
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