A child has a 2-day history of vomiting, hypoactive bowel sounds, and an irregular pulse. Electrolyte values are sodium, 130 mEq/L; potassium, 3.3 mEq/L; calcium, 9.5 mg/dL; and HCO3, 30 mEq/L. Which of the following imbalances is the child most likely to have? (Select all that apply)
Hyponatremia.
Hypocalcemia.
Hyperkalemia.
Hypokalemia.
Metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer : A,F
Choice A reason: Sodium of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, likely from vomiting-induced sodium loss. This aligns with the child’s electrolyte profile and symptoms, making it a correct imbalance the nurse would identify as most likely based on the lab values and clinical presentation.
Choice B reason: Calcium of 9.5 mg/dL is normal, not indicating hypocalcemia. Hyponatremia and metabolic alkalosis match the labs (sodium 130, HCO3 30), making this incorrect, as it does not reflect the child’s electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and irregular pulse.
Choice C reason: Potassium of 3.3 mEq/L is low, not high, ruling out hyperkalemia. Hyponatremia and metabolic alkalosis fit the labs and vomiting history, making this incorrect, as it contradicts the child’s potassium level in the nurse’s assessment of imbalances.
Choice D reason: Potassium of 3.3 mEq/L suggests mild hypokalemia, but hyponatremia (sodium 130) is more prominent with vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis is also evident, making this partially correct but incorrect as the primary imbalance compared to hyponatremia in the child’s profile.
Choice E reason: HCO3 of 30 mEq/L indicates alkalosis, not acidosis, due to vomiting-induced hydrogen ion loss. Hyponatremia and metabolic alkalosis are correct, making this incorrect, as it contradicts the child’s alkalotic state in the nurse’s evaluation of lab values.
Choice F reason: HCO3 of 30 mEq/L indicates metabolic alkalosis, common with vomiting due to loss of acidic gastric contents. This, with hyponatremia, aligns with the child’s labs and symptoms, making it a correct imbalance the nurse would identify in the assessment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bilateral pedal pulses at 88 beats/min indicate restored circulation post-fasciotomy, preventing compartment syndrome. This aligns with vascular assessment post-burn and fracture, making it a correct finding showing the nurse’s actions were effective in maintaining perfusion in the leg.
Choice B reason: No swelling in lower extremities post-fasciotomy indicates reduced pressure and effective decompression, preventing tissue damage. This aligns with post-surgical burn care, making it a correct finding demonstrating the nurse’s actions were successful in managing the client’s leg injury.
Choice C reason: Spontaneous respirations are expected with intubation but unrelated to fasciotomy effectiveness for leg burn and fracture. Pulse presence is more relevant, making this incorrect, as it does not reflect the outcome of the nurse’s actions on the leg injury.
Choice D reason: Pulse oximetry of 93% reflects respiratory status, not fasciotomy effectiveness for leg perfusion. No swelling is a direct outcome, making this incorrect, as it’s unrelated to the nurse’s actions addressing the burn and fracture in the client’s leg.
Choice E reason: Pain reduced to 5/10 from 10 post-fasciotomy indicates effective decompression and pain management. This aligns with post-surgical burn care outcomes, making it a correct finding showing the nurse’s actions improved the client’s comfort and leg injury status.
Choice F reason: Normal temperature of 98.6°F is expected but doesn’t directly indicate fasciotomy effectiveness for leg perfusion. Pedal pulses are more specific, making this incorrect, as it’s not a primary outcome of the nurse’s actions for the client’s leg injury.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Increased urine output is not typical in untreated hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and fluid balance. Hypotension from reduced cardiac output is expected, making this incorrect, as it doesn’t align with the nurse’s anticipated findings in a client non-compliant with hypothyroidism therapy.
Choice B reason: Persistent diarrhea is more associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism, which causes constipation. Hypotension is a common finding in untreated hypothyroidism, making this incorrect, as it contradicts the expected symptoms in the nurse’s assessment of the non-compliant client.
Choice C reason: Hypotension is expected in untreated hypothyroidism due to decreased metabolic rate and cardiac output. This aligns with endocrine assessment findings, making it the correct finding the nurse would anticipate in a client who hasn’t taken thyroid replacement medication regularly.
Choice D reason: Tachycardia is typical in hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism, which causes bradycardia. Hypotension is more consistent with untreated hypothyroidism, making this incorrect, as it doesn’t reflect the slowed metabolism expected in the nurse’s evaluation of the non-compliant client.
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