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 B
Explanation
Ask the client to describe the discomfort. This is the best action to establish a nursing diagnosis of pain related to an abdominal incision because it allows the nurse to assess the location, intensity, quality, and duration of the pain, as well as any factors that aggravate or relieve it.
This information can help the nurse to plan appropriate interventions and evaluate their effectiveness.
Choice A. Continue to observe the client is wrong because it does not address the client’s pain or communicate empathy. The nurse should not ignore or minimize the client’s pain, but rather acknowledge it and offer assistance.
Choice C. Encourage the client to progressively relax all muscle groups is wrong because it is a nonpharmacological intervention that may help to reduce pain, but it does not establish a nursing diagnosis of pain. The nurse should first assess the client’s pain before implementing any interventions.
Choice D. Administer the prescribed analgesic and document the client’s response is wrong because it is a pharmacological intervention that may help to relieve pain, but it does not establish a nursing diagnosis of pain. The nurse should first assess the client’s pain before administering any medications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because a client who has been diaphoretic for the past six hours is likely to have wet and uncomfortable bed linens that can cause skin breakdown and infection. Changing the bed linens frequently can help keep the client dry and comfortable.
Choice A is wrong because offering the client a bedpan every three hours is not related to diaphoresis and may not meet the client’s elimination needs.
Choice B is wrong because keeping an emesis basin near the bedside is not related to diaphoresis and may not be necessary unless the client has nausea or vomiting.
Choice C is wrong because providing oral care every four hours is not enough to prevent dehydration and dry mouth in a client who has been diaphoretic for the past six hours. The client may need more frequent oral care and fluid intake.
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