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
An isotonic solution is a solution that has the same osmotic pressure as another solution, which means that the solute concentration on both sides of a semipermeable membrane is equal. This causes no net movement of water across the membrane, and the cells remain the same size and shape. An example of an isotonic solution is normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride), which is used to treat dehydration and fluid loss.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because 95-110 mg/dL is the normal range of serum phosphorus level in adults, not chloride. Phosphorus is an electrolyte that is involved in energy metabolism, acid-base balance, and bone formation.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because 10-120 mEq/L is not a realistic range for any electrolyte level in the blood. The units of mEq/L indicate the concentration of ions, not the mass of the substance. The normal range of serum chloride level in adults is expressed in mEq/L, not mg/dL.
Choice C reason: This is correct because 96-106 mEq/L is the normal range of serum chloride level in adults. Chloride is an electrolyte that is important for fluid balance, acid-base balance, and nerve transmission.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because 1.8-2.6 mEq/L is the normal range of serum magnesium level in adults, not chloride. Magnesium is an electrolyte that is important for muscle and nerve function, as well as enzyme activity.
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