The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a group of patients. Which value should be of most concern to the nurse?

Sodium level 140 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L)

Magnesium level 1.0 mEq/L (1.3-2.1 mEq/L)

Calcium level 10 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL)

Potassium level 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Sodium level 140 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range and is not of concern.

B. Magnesium level 1.0 mEq/L (1.3-2.1 mEq/L): This value is below the normal range, indicating hypomagnesemia, which can cause serious complications such as arrhythmias, neuromuscular irritability, and seizures. This is the most concerning value.

C. Calcium level 10 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL): This calcium level is within the normal range and is not concerning.

D. Potassium level 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L): This potassium level is at the low end of normal. While it is something to monitor, it is not immediately concerning compared to hypomagnesemia.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hypertension: Low calcium levels are not typically associated with hypertension. In fact, hypocalcemia can lead to a variety of neurological symptoms such as muscle spasms and tetany.

B. Increased thirst: Increased thirst is not a direct symptom of hypocalcemia. It may be seen in diabetes or dehydration but not typically in hypocalcemia.

C. Muscle tetany: Hypocalcemia is a common result of thyroidectomy, especially if the parathyroid glands were affected during surgery. This condition can lead to muscle tetany, which involves involuntary muscle contractions or spasms.

D. Diaphoresis: Diaphoresis is not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Sweating is more related to stress, pain, or fever.

A. Urine output 20 mL/hr B. Sodium 142 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L) C. Cool skin D. Bradycardia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Urine output 20 mL/hr: A urine output of 20 mL/hr is on the low side but can still be expected in dehydration, as the body attempts to conserve water. Normal urine output is 30 mL/hr or more, so this could still be a sign of dehydration.

B. Sodium 142 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range. Dehydration may cause sodium to be elevated if water loss is more significant than sodium loss, but a normal value does not indicate dehydration.

C. Cool skin: Cool skin is a typical finding in dehydration, particularly in severe cases, due to reduced peripheral circulation and vasoconstriction as the body tries to maintain core temperature and blood pressure.

D. Bradycardia: Dehydration usually causes tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism to maintain blood pressure and perfusion, not bradycardia.

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The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a group of patients. Which value should be of most concern to the nurse?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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