Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse expect to assess in a client who reports diarrhea for the past three days?
Hypokalemia.
Hypocalcemia.
Hyponatremia.
Hypochloremia.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium along with water and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and constipation.
Choice B. Hypocalcemia is wrong because diarrhea does not usually cause a loss of
calcium. Calcium is another mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, blood clotting and bone health. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures and confusion.
Choice C. Hyponatremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium, but not to the extent that it causes hyponatremia. Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the body and it helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Low levels of sodium can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.
Choice D. Hypochloremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of chloride, but not to the extent that it causes hypochloremia. Chloride is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride can cause symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, alkalosis (high blood pH) and muscle twitching.
The normal ranges for electrolytes in the blood are:
- Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
- Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
- Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
- Chloride: 96 to 106
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D"]
Explanation
Older adults do not have a different pain mechanism and do not feel it as much as younger individuals. This statement is false and indicates the need for further education regarding pain management in older adults.
Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
Choice A is true because older adults often fear becoming addicted to pain medications and may underreport or deny their pain.
Choice B is true because older adults often take numerous drugs that can cause interactions with pain medications and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Choice C is true because confusion and delirium can be a more common reaction to certain pain medications in the elderly, especially opioids and benzodiazepines.
Normal ranges for vital signs in older adults are similar to those in younger adults, except for blood pressure, which may be higher due to arterial stiffness. The normal range for blood pressure in older adults is 120/80 to 140/90 mm Hg.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Formed stool two times per day, every day, for one week. This indicates that bowel training is attaining the desired outcome because it shows regularity and consistency of bowel movements without the use of laxatives or enemas.
Choice B is wrong because soap sud enemas are not recommended for bowel training as they can irritate the bowel and cause fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice C is wrong because continued use of laxatives can inhibit the natural defecation reflexes and cause dependency.
Choice D is wrong because a formed, soft stool at regular intervals without the use of a laxative is a normal defecation pattern, not an indication of fecal incontinence.
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