A client is prescribed milk of magnesia.
After reviewing the client’s lab results, which potential electrolyte imbalance is the nurse concerned about?
Hyponatremia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypokalemia
Hypercalcemia .
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels, is not typically associated with the use of milk of magnesia. Milk of magnesia works by drawing water into the intestines, which can help to soften the stool and stimulate bowel movements. While it can affect fluid balance, it does not directly affect sodium levels in the body.
Choice B rationale
This choice is correct. Milk of magnesia contains magnesium and can lead to hypermagnesemia, or high magnesium levels, if taken in excess or if the client has impaired kidney function. Hypermagnesemia can cause various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and in severe cases, heart arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.
Choice C rationale
Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, is not typically associated with the use of milk of magnesia. While milk of magnesia can affect fluid and electrolyte balance, it does not directly affect potassium levels in the body.
Choice D rationale
Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, is not typically associated with the use of milk of magnesia. Milk of magnesia does not contain calcium, so it would not contribute to an increase in calcium levels in the body.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. While it’s important to monitor digoxin levels in patients receiving gentamicin due to the risk of increased digoxin levels, it’s not the most concerning medication.
Choice B rationale
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause ototoxicity, especially when used with aminoglycosides like gentamicin. Therefore, this is the medication the nurse should be most concerned about.
Choice C rationale
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid medication. While it’s important to monitor for potential interactions, it’s not the most concerning medication in this context.
Choice D rationale
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication. While it’s important to monitor for potential interactions, it’s not the most concerning medication in this context.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that affects patients with liver failure. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut. Having loose, watery stools is a desired therapeutic effect of lactulose. Therefore, no action is required if the patient is oriented and has had 6 loose, watery stools since 07007.
Choice B rationale
Withholding the dose and contacting the doctor for daily stool count parameters is not necessary in this situation. The patient is currently oriented, which suggests that the lactulose is effectively managing their hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice C rationale
Administering the medication because diarrhea is a common side effect is not the correct course of action. The presence of loose, watery stools is not merely a side effect, but a desired therapeutic effect of lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D rationale
Removing fall precautions due to changes in mental status is not necessary in this situation. The patient is currently oriented, which suggests that the lactulose is effectively managing their hepatic encephalopathy.
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