Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause abdominal pain, urinary retention, and confusion?
Sodium (Na+)
Calcium (Ca2+)
Chloride (Cl-)
Phosphates (PO4^3^-)
Potassium (K+)
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Sodium (Na+) imbalance can cause neurological symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or coma, but not abdominal pain or urinary retention.
Choice B reason: Calcium (Ca2+) imbalance can cause abdominal pain, urinary retention, and confusion, as well as muscle weakness, bone pain, and cardiac arrhythmias. These signs are the result of an inadequate supply of calcium, which is essential for nerve and muscle function, as well as bone health.
Choice C reason: Chloride (Cl-) imbalance can cause acid-base disorders such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.
Choice D reason: Phosphates (PO4^3^-) imbalance can cause bone and muscle problems, such as rickets, osteomalacia, or tetany, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.
Choice E reason: Potassium (K+) imbalance can cause cardiac and neuromuscular symptoms, such as arrhythmias, palpitations, muscle weakness, or paralysis, but not abdominal pain, urinary retention, or confusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: For an average adult, the total intake should be approximately equal to the total output every day¹². Therefore, if the patient's total output is 2200 mL, the total intake should also be around 2200 mL.
Choice B reason: 3000 mL is more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema.
Choice C reason: 3800 mL is much more than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. If the patient's intake is higher than their output, they may develop fluid overload or edema.
Choice D reason: 2400 mL is slightly less than the recommended daily fluid intake for an average adult, which is about 2500 mL³. However, if the patient's intake is lower than their output, they may develop dehydration or electrolyte imbalance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which lowers the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and raises the pH. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice B reason: Metabolic acidosis is caused by an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body, which lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or diarrhea. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice C reason: Respiratory acidosis is caused by hypoventilation, which raises the carbon dioxide levels in the blood and lowers the pH. This can occur in conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or sedative overdose. This is not likely to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction.
Choice D reason: Metabolic alkalosis is caused by a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body, which raises the pH. This can occur in conditions such as vomiting, gastric suction, or diuretic use. This is the most likely acid-base disorder to occur in a client with a nasogastric tube on low suction, as the tube removes gastric acid from the stomach.
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