Which rationale supports the nurse's assessment of a patient's magnesium level?
The electrolyte is the most abundant intracellular cation present in the body.
The electrolyte may cause extracellular fluid overload.
Magnesium may affect neuromuscular excitability and contractility.
The patient is at risk for hypotension when the levels of magnesium decrease.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
While magnesium is indeed the most abundant intracellular cation in the body, this fact alone does not explain why the nurse would assess the patient's magnesium level.
Choice B rationale:
Magnesium imbalance can cause issues in the extracellular fluid compartment, but this choice does not explain why the nurse would specifically assess the patient's magnesium level.
Choice D rationale:
While hypotension can be a symptom of severe magnesium deficiency, this choice does not provide a rationale for assessing the patient's magnesium level. In this case, choice C is correct because magnesium plays a crucial role in neuromuscular excitability and contractility. Abnormal magnesium levels can lead to neuromuscular symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and spasms. Additionally, magnesium is involved in cardiac muscle function, and low magnesium levels can lead to arrhythmias and other cardiac issues. Therefore, assessing the patient's magnesium level is essential in understanding their neuromuscular and cardiac health.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chronic stable angina typically occurs with both activity and rest due to the increased oxygen demand of the heart during exertion. It is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin, which helps to decrease the heart's workload. This choice accurately represents the characteristic of chronic stable angina.
Choice B rationale:
Chronic stable angina usually lasts for a short duration, usually around 5 minutes, and is relieved with rest or nitroglycerin. Prolonged pain lasting 10-15 minutes or more could indicate an unstable angina or myocardial infarction. This choice is incorrect for chronic stable angina.
Choice C rationale:
Pain due to chronic stable angina subsides when the precipitating factor, such as physical exertion, is resolved or with medication like nitroglycerin. Therefore, this statement is incorrect for chronic stable angina.
Choice D rationale:
Chronic stable angina follows a predictable pattern, occurring intermittently over a period of time, and is usually triggered by physical exertion or emotional stress. This option does not accurately represent the typical pattern of chronic stable angina.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Buffers do not excrete weak acids; instead, they help regulate the pH of bodily fluids by preventing drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity.
Choice B rationale:
Buffers do not secrete hydrogen ions. In fact, buffers can either absorb or release hydrogen ions to maintain a stable pH.
Choice C rationale:
To convert strong acids to weak acids is the correct answer. Buffers are substances that can neutralize both acids and bases, helping to maintain a stable pH in a solution. They achieve this by accepting hydrogen ions from strong acids or donating hydrogen ions to strong bases, converting them into weaker acids or bases, respectively.
Choice D rationale:
Buffers do not convert ammonia to ammonium ions. This conversion is a part of the body's acid-base regulation system, but it is not the primary function of buffers.
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