The nurse is concerned that a patient recovering from a thyroidectomy is developing hypocalcemia. What findings did the nurse use to come to this conclusion? Select all that apply.

Contraction of the facial muscles.

Complaints of fingers tingling.

Carpal spasm with blood pressure measurement.

Asked when the foot numbness would go away.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,C

Choice A rationale:

The nurse considered contraction of facial muscles as a finding of hypocalcemia because it is associated with Chvostek's sign, which indicates neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.

Choice B rationale:

Complaints of fingers tingling are indicative of hypocalcemia since tingling sensations (paresthesias) in the extremities can result from decreased calcium levels affecting nerve function.

Choice C rationale:

Carpal spasm with blood pressure measurement is known as Trousseau's sign and is associated with hypocalcemia. When the blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure, it can cause tetany in the hand if the calcium levels are low.

Choice D rationale:

Asking when foot numbness would go away does not directly relate to hypocalcemia or its symptoms. It is not a finding used to come to the conclusion of hypocalcemia in this scenario.

Choice E rationale:

The heart rate being 88 and regular does not directly indicate hypocalcemia. While hypocalcemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, a heart rate of 88 and regular is within the normal range and not a specific finding for hypocalcemia.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Hypernatremia.

Choice A rationale:

Hypernatremia is the most likely condition the client is experiencing based on the laboratory result of Sodium 144 mEq/L, which is above the normal range of 136 to 145 mEq/L. Hypernatremia is an elevated sodium level in the blood and can cause various symptoms like extreme thirst, dry mucous membranes, and altered mental status.

Choice B rationale:

To address hypernatremia, the nurse should take two actions. Action 1: Prepare to check a serum albumin level. This is important as hypernatremia can be caused by a relative water deficit due to excess solutes, and measuring serum albumin helps assess the body's water balance. Action 2: Request a STAT ECG. Hypernatremia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, so an ECG is essential to monitor the patient's heart rhythm. Parameters to Monitor: Parameter 1 - Serum bicarbonate level: Monitoring bicarbonate levels helps evaluate acid-base balance and assess the impact of hypernatremia on the body's buffering systems. Parameter 2 - Intake and Output: Monitoring the patient's fluid intake and output is crucial to ensure proper hydration and track response to treatment.

A. Metabolic alkalosis. B. Respiratory acidosis. C. Metabolic acidosis. D. Respiratory alkalosis.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Respiratory acidosis.

Choice A rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when there is an increase in pH and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels, which is not the case here. The pH value in this scenario is 7.22, indicating acidosis.

Choice B rationale:

Respiratory acidosis results from the retention of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH. In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PacO₂ is elevated (68 mm Hg), supporting the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.

Choice C rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in pH and bicarbonate levels, along with a possible negative base excess. However, in this scenario, the base excess is -2, which does not indicate metabolic acidosis.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in PaCO₂, leading to an increase in blood pH. The ABG values provided (pH 7.22, PacO₂ 68 mm Hg) are not consistent with respiratory alkalosis.

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The nurse is concerned that a patient recovering from a thyroidectomy is developing hypocalcemia. What findings did the nurse use to come to this conclusion? Select all that apply.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client is admitted to the emergency room with a respiratory rate of 7/min. Arterial blood gases (ABG) reveal the following values. Which of the following is an appropriate analysis of the ABGs? pH 7.22, PacO₂ 68 mm Hg, Base excess -2, PaO₂ 78 mm Hg, Saturation 80%, Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory values and discovers the client has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following interventions should the nurse anticipate?

The patient is prescribed to receive intravenous potassium chloride (KCL). Which actions should the nurse take when administering this medication? Select all that apply.

The nurse is reviewing the health problems for a group of assigned patients. Which patient does the nurse recognize as being at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis?

A patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia. After reviewing the patient's current medications, which drug should the nurse consider that might have contributed to the patient's health problem?

A patient experiencing multisystem fluid volume deficit has tachycardia, pale, cool skin, and decreased urine output. The nurse realizes these findings are most likely a direct result of which process?