An older patient comes into the clinic complaining of watery diarrhea for several days with abdominal and muscle cramping. The nurse realizes that this patient is demonstrating which imbalance?
Hyperkalemia
Hyponatremia
Fluid volume excess
Hypernatremia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Hyperkalemia is not an imbalance that this patient is demonstrating, because this condition occurs when the blood potassium level is too high. This can happen in patients who have renal failure, acidosis, or excessive potassium intake. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and paralysis.
Choice B: Hyponatremia is an imbalance that this patient is demonstrating, because this condition occurs when the blood sodium level is too low. This can happen in patients who have watery diarrhea, which causes the loss of sodium and water from the body. Hyponatremia can cause abdominal and muscle cramping, nausea, confusion, and seizures.
Choice C: Fluid volume excess is not an imbalance that this patient is demonstrating, because this condition occurs when the body retains more fluid than it excretes. This can happen in patients who have heart failure, kidney failure, or excessive fluid intake. Fluid volume excess can cause edema, distended neck veins, and crackles in the lungs.
Choice D: Hypernatremia is not an imbalance that this patient is demonstrating, because this condition occurs when the blood sodium level is too high. This can happen in patients who have dehydration, diabetes insipidus, or excessive sodium intake. Hypernatremia can cause thirst, dry mucous membranes, agitation, and coma.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Calcium-containing antacids are prescribed for patients with high serum phosphate levels, because calcium binds with phosphate and lowers its concentration in the blood. Calcium-containing antacids also help to prevent or treat hypocalcemia, which is a common complication of hyperphosphatemia.
Choice B: Increased vitamin D intake is not prescribed for patients with high serum phosphate levels, because vitamin D enhances the absorption of both calcium and phosphate from the intestines. Increased vitamin D intake can worsen hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
Choice C: Potassium phosphate is not prescribed for patients with high serum phosphate levels, because potassium phosphate is a source of phosphate that increases its concentration in the blood. Potassium phosphate can also cause hyperkalemia, which is a dangerous condition that affects the heart rhythm.
Choice D: Additional milk intake is not prescribed for patients with high serum phosphate levels, because milk is rich in both calcium and phosphate. Additional milk intake can worsen hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia.
Choice E: IV normal saline is prescribed for patients with high serum phosphate levels, because normal saline helps to dilute the blood and lower the concentration of phosphate. Normal saline also helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A: Limit intake of canned soups is correct because canned soups are high in sodium and can increase blood
pressure and fluid retention. The nurse should advise the client to choose low-sodium or homemade soups instead.
Choice B: Choose botled salad dressings is incorrect because botled salad dressings are also high in sodium and can have added sugars and fats. The nurse should advise the client to make their own salad dressings with vinegar, oil, herbs, and spices.
Choice C: Choose diet sodas over botled water is incorrect because diet sodas are not a healthy alternative to water. Diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and phosphoric acid, which can affect the body's pH balance and calcium absorption. The nurse should advise the client to drink plain water or flavored water with natural ingredients.
Choice D: Replace processed meats with fresh meat products is correct because processed meats such as bacon, ham, sausage, and hot dogs are high in sodium and preservatives. The nurse should advise the client to choose fresh meat products such as chicken, turkey, fish, or lean beef.
Choice E: Read labels on foods before eating is correct because reading labels can help the client identify the sodium content and other ingredients in foods. The nurse should advise the client to look for foods that have less than 140 mg of sodium per serving and avoid foods that have salt, sodium, or monosodium glutamate (MSG) in the ingredient list.
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