Your patient has a CMP drawn to determine their electrolytes. Only part of the values have resulted including the Na+ which is 121 mEq/l. What type of electrolyte imbalance is the patient having?
Hypocalcemia
Hyperkalemia
Hypernatremia
Hyponatremia
The Correct Answer is D
Explanation: The normal range of sodium (Na+) in the blood is 135-145 mEq/L. The patient's sodium level of 121 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating a low sodium level, which is called hyponatremia.
Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte imbalance that can be caused by a variety of factors, including excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, certain medications, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances. It can cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, confusion, seizures, and coma, and it can be a medical emergency if the sodium level drops rapidly or severely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Explanation: In clients with COPD, the secretions tend to be thick and sticky, which makes it difficult to cough up and clear the airway. To promote respiratory hygiene in this situation, the nurse should recommend increasing fluid intake. Adequate hydration helps to thin the secretions, making them easier to expectorate. The client should aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water or other fluids per day unless there is a medical reason not to do so.
Decreasing fluid intake (option a) would make the secretions even thicker and more difficult to clear. Taking Tylenol for secretions (option b) is not a recommended intervention as Tylenol is not indicated for thinning of secretions. Range-of-motion exercises (option c) are important to prevent complications such as pneumonia, but they are not directly related to promoting respiratory hygiene in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, and diuretics are often used in the management of patients with this condition to help control fluid balance. However, diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to muscle cramps and other complications.
A Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures various electrolytes, glucose, and other important components. Among the options given, the most likely lab value to be abnormal in Patient MK's case is a low level of potassium (K+), which is consistent with her symptoms and diuretic use. Option d, K+ -
-
- mEq/L, is the correct option as it represents a low level of potassium, which is defined as a value less than 3.5 mEq/L.
Option a, Mg2 – 20 mEq/L, represents high magnesium levels, which are not typically associated with diuretic use or muscle cramps. Option b, Na+ - 123 mEq/L, represents low sodium levels, which are less likely to occur with diuretic use, and are typically associated with other conditions. Option c, Ca2 – 10.0 mg/dl, represents normal calcium levels and is not typically affected by diuretic use.
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