Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse expect to assess in a client who reports diarrhea for the past three days?

Hypokalemia.

Hypocalcemia.

Hyponatremia.

Hypochloremia.

Answer and Explanation

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

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

0.8.

To find the answer, you need to use the formula: Dose ordered / Dose available = Volume to administer

In this case, the dose ordered is 250,000 units and the dose available is 300,000 units/mL. So, you need to divide 250,000 by 300,000 and get 0.8333.

Then, you need to round it to one decimal place and get 0.8 mL. Choice A is wrong because it is too low.

If you administer 0.4 mL, you will give only 120,000 units of penicillin G benzathine, which is half of the prescribed dose.

Choice C is wrong because it is too high.

If you administer 1.2 mL, you will give 360,000 units of penicillin G benzathine, which is 44% more than the prescribed dose.

Choice D is wrong because it is also too high.

If you administer 1.6 mL, you will give 480,000 units of penicillin G benzathine, which is almost double the prescribed dose.

The normal range for penicillin G benzathine dosage depends on the type and severity of infection, but it is usually between 50,000 and 2.4 million units per injection.

A. “I am allowing myself to sleep in most mornings.”. B. “I’m getting more work done on my computer before going to bed.”. C. “I have limited my alcohol intake before bedtime.”. D. “I watch television for 1 hour before sleeping.”.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

“I have limited my alcohol intake before bedtime.”. This statement shows that the client understands that alcohol can interfere with sleep quality and quantity. Alcohol can disrupt the normal sleep cycle and cause frequent awakenings, nightmares, or insomnia.

Choice A is wrong because sleeping in most mornings can disrupt the regular sleep schedule and make it harder to fall asleep at night. It is better to keep a consistent bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.

Choice B is wrong because working on the computer before going to bed can expose the client to blue light, which can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. It is better to avoid screens and other stimulating activities at least an hour before bedtime.

Choice D is wrong because watching television for 1 hour before sleeping can also expose the client to blue light and interfere with sleep onset. It is better to engage in relaxing activities such as reading, listening to soothing music, or meditating before sleeping.

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Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse expect to assess in a client who reports diarrhea for the past three days?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is to receive 250,000 units of benzathine penicillin. G. The medication is available in a vial containing 300,000 units per milliliter. How many milliliters should a nurse administer?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which statement, if made by a client diagnosed with sleep disturbance, should a nurse evaluate as correct understanding of the plan of care to improve sleep patterns?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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