A nurse is caring for a client who has nephrotic syndrome and is receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy. For which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor?
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not the correct answer. Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not cause hyperkalemia, but rather hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, acidosis, or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is the correct answer. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium and sodium in the urine. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.

Choice C reason: Hypermagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypermagnesemia is a high level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypermagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, excessive antacid use, or magnesium-containing laxatives.
Choice D reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, alcoholism, or diuretic use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client waits 10 min between inhalations is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should wait at least 1 min between inhalations to allow the medication to reach the lungs and avoid overdose.
Choice B reason: The client takes a quick inhalation while releasing the medication from the inhaler is the correct answer. This is the correct way to use an albuterol inhaler. The client should breathe in quickly and deeply while pressing down on the inhaler to release the medication. This ensures that the medication is delivered to the airways and not the mouth or throat.
Choice C reason: The client exhales as the medication is released from the inhaler is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should exhale before using the inhaler, not during or after. Exhaling while using the inhaler can cause the medication to be wasted or to irritate the mouth or throat.
Choice D reason: The client holds his breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medication is not the correct answer. This is not a recommended practice for using an albuterol inhaler. The client should hold his breath for only a few seconds after inhaling the medication, not 10 seconds. Holding the breath for too long can cause dizziness, headache, or chest discomfort.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory rate and heart rate are not specific indicators of oxygen saturation. They can be affected by many other factors, such as pain, anxiety, or dehydration.
Choice B reason: Blood pressure and temperature are not directly related to oxygen saturation. They can be influenced by other conditions, such as infection, inflammation, or shock.
Choice C reason: Lung sounds and chest expansion are relevant parameters to monitor for a client with low oxygen saturation. They can indicate the presence of respiratory problems, such as pneumonia, asthma, or atelectasis, that can impair gas exchange and oxygen delivery.
Choice D reason: Hemoglobin and hematocrit are measures of red blood cell count and volume. They can affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, but they are not directly affected by oxygen saturation. They can be altered by other factors, such as bleeding, dehydration, or anemia.
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