A client on digitalis has a lab report of potassium 3.0 mEq/L.
The nurse would instruct the client to eat which of these foods?
Asparagus.
Cantaloupe.
Blackberries.
Cucumbers.
Cucumbers.
The Correct Answer is B
The client on Digitalis has a low potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L, below the normal range of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digitalis toxicity, which can cause nausea, abdominal discomfort, visual changes, and cardiac arrhythmias.
The nurse would instruct the client to eat foods high in potassium, such as cantaloupe, to prevent or correct hypokalemia.
Choice A. Asparagus is wrong because asparagus is a low-potassium food that contains only 202 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating asparagus would not help to raise the client’s potassium level.
Choice C. Blackberries are wrong because blackberries are also a low-potassium food that contains only 233 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating blackberries would not help to raise the client’s potassium level.
Choice D. Cucumbers is wrong because cucumbers are a very low-potassium food that contains only 76 mg of potassium per cup.
Eating cucumbers would not help to raise the client’s potassium level and may even lower it further.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium along with water and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and constipation.
Choice B. Hypocalcemia is wrong because diarrhea does not usually cause a loss of
calcium. Calcium is another mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, blood clotting and bone health. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures and confusion.
Choice C. Hyponatremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium, but not to the extent that it causes hyponatremia. Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the body and it helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Low levels of sodium can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.
Choice D. Hypochloremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of chloride, but not to the extent that it causes hypochloremia. Chloride is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride can cause symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, alkalosis (high blood pH) and muscle twitching.
The normal ranges for electrolytes in the blood are:
- Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
- Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
- Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
- Chloride: 96 to 106
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should complete an incident report when he or she contaminates and discards two indwelling catheters during the insertion procedure. This is because an incident report is a tool for documenting any event that is not consistent with the routine operation of a health care unit or the routine care of a client. An incident report helps to identify potential risks and improve quality and safety.
Choice A is wrong because not completing the care plan for a newly admitted client before leaving the unit is not an incident that requires reporting.
It is a matter of time management and prioritization.
Choice B is wrong because recording a client’s refusal to take prescribed medication on the chart is not an incident that requires reporting.
It is a part of the nursing documentation and communication.
Choice D is wrong because experiencing back pain after moving a client up in the bed is not an incident that requires reporting.
It is a personal injury that may be related to improper body mechanics or ergonomics.
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