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+)

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Panting with mouth open is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the risk of hyperventilation and respiratory alkalosis, which could worsen the anxiety and cause symptoms such as dizziness, tingling, and muscle spasms.

Choice B reason: Sitting up is an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could help the patient relax and breathe more deeply and slowly, which could reduce the anxiety and normalize the blood gas levels.

Choice C reason: Lying down is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could make the patient feel more claustrophobic and increase the anxiety and the respiratory rate.

Choice D reason: Breathing through a re-breather mask is not an appropriate intervention for an anxious patient with a high respiratory rate. This could increase the oxygen concentration in the blood, which could reduce the stimulus for breathing and cause respiratory depression.

A. Kidney function B. Bicarbonate buffers C. Phosphate buffers D. Lung ventilation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Kidney function is not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. The kidneys are responsible for regulating the HCO3- level, which is the other component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.

Choice B reason: Bicarbonate buffers are not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the HCO3- level. Bicarbonate buffers are substances that can accept or donate hydrogen ions to maintain the pH of the blood. They are part of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system, which is the main buffer system in the body.

Choice C reason: Phosphate buffers are not indicated by the PaCO2 level, but rather by the PO4^3^- level. Phosphate buffers are substances that can accept or donate hydrogen ions to maintain the pH of the intracellular fluid and the urine. They are part of the phosphoric acid-phosphate buffer system, which is the second most important buffer system in the body.

Choice D reason: Lung ventilation is indicated by the PaCO2 level, which is the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood. Lung ventilation is the process of moving air in and out of the lungs, which affects the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. The lungs are responsible for regulating the PaCO2 level, which is the other component of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system.

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Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause abdominal pain, urinary retention, and confusion?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An anxious adult patient is experiencing a respiratory rate of 40 breaths/min. The most appropriate intervention that the nurse could do is to instruct the patient to:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

PaCO2 level indicates the effectiveness of:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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The thirst mechanism is located in the: