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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Antibiotics treat infection, but fever, tenderness, and rising creatinine suggest rejection, not infection. Immunosuppression addresses rejection, making this incorrect, as it’s less likely than the nurse’s anticipation of therapy to manage transplant rejection in the client.
Choice B reason: Peritoneal dialysis is used for kidney failure, not acute transplant rejection, which causes fever and creatinine rise. Immunosuppression is needed, making this incorrect, as it’s irrelevant to the nurse’s expected treatment for the client’s post-transplant symptoms.
Choice C reason: Removing the kidney is a last resort, not the first response to rejection signs like fever and tenderness. Increased immunosuppression is standard, making this incorrect, as it’s premature compared to the nurse’s anticipation of rejection management.
Choice D reason: Increased immunosuppression treats acute transplant rejection, indicated by fever, tenderness, rising creatinine, and kidney enlargement. This aligns with post-transplant care, making it the correct treatment the nurse would anticipate for the client’s symptoms one week after transplantation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Checking urinary specific gravity monitors DI control but is less critical than detecting fluid retention from desmopressin, which can cause hyponatremia. Daily weighing identifies weight gain, making this incorrect, as it’s secondary to the nurse’s priority teaching on preventing serious drug-related complications.
Choice B reason: Monitoring blood pressure is relevant for cardiovascular health but not the primary concern with desmopressin, which risks fluid overload. Daily weighing detects this, making this incorrect, as it’s less specific than the nurse’s teaching to monitor for weight gain in DI treatment.
Choice C reason: Blood glucose monitoring is unrelated to desmopressin or DI, which affects water balance, not glucose. Weighing daily addresses fluid retention, making this incorrect, as it’s irrelevant compared to the nurse’s priority teaching on managing desmopressin’s fluid-related side effects in DI.
Choice D reason: Daily weighing and reporting weight gain is the priority teaching, as desmopressin can cause fluid retention, leading to hyponatremia. This aligns with DI therapy safety, making it the correct teaching to prevent complications, ensuring the client monitors for this critical adverse effect of desmopressin.
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