The client has a history of renal failure and is receiving hemodialysis. The nurse should monitor for which electrolyte imbalance.
Hyperkalemia.
Hypokalemia.
Hyponatremia.
Hypernatremia.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because hemodialysis removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood, but it also removes some electrolytes, such as potassium.
Potassium is important for nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
If potassium levels are too high or too low, it can cause irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest.
Choice B is wrong because hypokalemia means low potassium levels, which is unlikely in renal failure unless there is excessive potassium loss from diarrhea, vomiting or diuretics.
Choice C is wrong because hyponatremia means low sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to fluid retention, but it is not directly related to hemodialysis.
Choice D is wrong because hypernatremia means high sodium levels, which can occur in renal failure due to reduced urine output, but it is also not directly related to hemodialysis.
Normal ranges for electrolytes are: Potassium: 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L
Sodium: 135 to 145 mmol/L
Calcium: 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
Chloride: 96 to 106 mmol/L
Magnesium: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL
Phosphate: 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL
Bicarbonate: 22 to 29 mmol/L
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Sodium is the major extracellular electrolyte in the body.
It is responsible for maintaining the extracellular fluid volume, and also for regulation of the membrane potential of cells.
Sodium is exchanged along with potassium across cell membranes as part of active transport.
Choice B is wrong because potassium is mainly an intracellular ion.
It is important for nerve and muscle function, but it is not the predominant electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Choice C is wrong because calcium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Calcium is mostly found in bones and teeth, where it forms a mineral reserve with phosphate.
Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction, blood clotting, and enzyme activity.
Choice D is wrong because magnesium is not the major electrolyte in the extracellular fluid.
Magnesium is mostly found in bones, where it helps to stabilize the structure of ATP2.
Magnesium also participates in enzyme reactions, nerve and muscle function, and protein synthesis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because hyperkalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too high.
This can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Therefore, the nurse should administer intravenous insulin and glucose to lower the blood potassium level by shifting it into the cells.
Choice A is wrong because encouraging the patient to consume a high- potassium diet would increase the blood potassium level and worsen the condition.
Choice C is wrong because administering a potassium-sparing diuretic would prevent the excretion of excess potassium and aggravate the hyperkalemia.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the patient to limit fluid intake is not relevant to the management of hyperkalemia and may cause dehydration.
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