The nurse assesses a client admitted with a history of vomiting and diarrhea for 5 days. Which laboratory value validates the symptoms of the client?
Na+ 150 mEq/L
Cl-95 mEq/L
K+3.7 mEq/L
HCO3-26 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is A
A. The elevated serum sodium (Na+) level of 150 mEq/L validates the symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea in the client. Vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss and dehydration, resulting in an increased serum sodium concentration due to the loss of water from the body. Hypernatremia (elevated serum sodium) is consistent with dehydration resulting from prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. An elevated sodium level is indicative of hypertonic dehydration, where water loss exceeds electrolyte loss, leading to increased serum sodium concentration
B. Cl-95 mEq/L: Chloride (Cl-) is an electrolyte often lost in cases of vomiting and diarrhea due to the loss of gastric secretions and chloride-rich fluids. A chloride level of 95 mEq/L is slightly lower than normal (normal range: 96-106 mEq/L), which suggests mild chloride depletion.
C. K+3.7 mEq/L: Potassium (K+) levels within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) do not necessarily validate symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. While potassium loss can occur in cases of prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, the potassium level provided falls within the normal range.
D. HCO3-26 mEq/L: Bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels within the normal range (22-29 mEq/L) do not necessarily validate symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Elevated bicarbonate levels may indicate metabolic alkalosis, which can occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to acid loss through vomiting or diarrhea, but this value alone does not confirm the symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. gender identity: Gender identity refers to how a person internally perceives and identifies their gender, which may be male, female, both, neither, or another gender identity. It is a deeply-held sense of being male, female, a blend of both genders (androgyny), or neither gender. Gender identity is an intrinsic aspect of a person's self-concept and may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth.
B. sexual orientation: Sexual orientation refers to a person's romantic or sexual attraction to individuals of the same gender, different gender, or multiple genders. It is distinct from gender identity and encompasses identities such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, etc.
C. androgyny: Androgyny refers to a combination of masculine and feminine characteristics or qualities in a single individual. It is a term used to describe a gender expression that does not conform strictly to traditional gender roles or expectations. While related to gender expression, it is not synonymous with gender identity.
D. body image: Body image refers to a person's perception, thoughts, and feelings about their own body's appearance, size, shape, and function. It includes attitudes towards physical attributes, such as weight, height, and physical features, and can influence self-esteem and overall well-being. Body image is related to, but distinct from, gender identity, which focuses specifically on one's internal sense of gender.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Diarrhea: Diarrhea typically involves the passage of loose or watery stools, often occurring frequently throughout the day. It is characterized by increased frequency, urgency, and volume of stool output. While diarrhea can cause bloating, it is not usually associated with continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool.
B. Flatus: Flatus refers to the passage of gas through the rectum, commonly known as "passing gas" or "flatulence." While flatus can contribute to feelings of bloating or discomfort, it does not involve the continuous oozing of liquid stool.
C. Overflow: Overflow typically occurs in the context of fecal impaction, where liquid stool leaks around a fecal mass that is blocking the rectum. However, overflow is characterized by the intermittent leakage of liquid stool, often preceded by constipation and fecal impaction. Continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool is not typically associated with overflow alone.
D. Impaction: Fecal impaction occurs when a large, hardened mass of stool accumulates in the rectum, making it difficult or impossible to pass stool. Continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool can occur around the impacted fecal mass, leading to symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and leakage of liquid stool. Therefore, fecal impaction is the most likely condition associated with the client's symptoms.
In summary, option D (Impaction) is the correct answer as it best aligns with the client's symptoms of feeling bloated and experiencing continuous oozing of small amounts of liquid stool in the context of being on bedrest after surgery
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