A client reports a 2-day history of fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. The healthcare provider prescribes serum electrolyte levels to be obtained.

Reference Range:

Potassium (K+): 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)

Sodium (Na+): 136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)

Which laboratory results should the nurse expect?

Serum potassium: 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 142 mEq/L (142 mmol/L)

Serum potassium: 4.5 mEq/L (4.5 mmol/L), serum sodium: 140 mEq/L (140 mmol/L)

Serum potassium: 5.0 mEq/L (5.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 138 mEq/L (138 mmol/L)

Serum potassium: 3.0 mEq/L (3.0 mmol/L), serum sodium: 149 mEq/L (149 mmol/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale: Potassium 3.5 mEq/L and sodium 142 mEq/L are within normal ranges, not expected after vomiting and diarrhea which typically cause hypokalemia and hypernatremia due to fluid loss.

Choice B rationale: Potassium 4.5 mEq/L and sodium 140 mEq/L remain normal, not consistent with dehydration and gastrointestinal fluid loss, which usually lower potassium and elevate sodium concentration.

Choice C rationale: Potassium 5.0 mEq/L and sodium 138 mEq/L are normal values, not typical after prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, where potassium decreases and sodium increases due to water deficit.

Choice D rationale: Potassium 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia from gastrointestinal losses, and sodium 149 mEq/L indicates hypernatremia from dehydration, both expected findings after vomiting and diarrhea.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Providing a back massage and gentle efleurage can help alleviate pain through relaxation
techniques and is a non-pharmacological method to manage pain.

Choice B reason: Guided imagery and slow rhythmic breathing are helpful relaxation techniques, but they may not be as immediately effective for incisional pain as direct physical interventions.

Choice C reason: The use of a hot water circulation device should be done with caution postoperatively, as it may not be appropriate depending on the surgical site and the client's condition.

Choice D reason: Distraction techniques like watching television or listening to music can be helpful, but they may not address the physical component of the client's incisional pain.

Correct Answer is ["0.8"]

Explanation

Amount (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/mL) = Volume (mL)

Step 1: The amount of hydromorphone the patient needs is 3 mg. Step 2: The concentration of the hydromorphone solution is 4 mg/mL. Step 3: Substitute the values into the formula: 3 mg ÷ 4 mg/mL.

Step 4: Calculate the volume: 3 ÷ 4 = 0.75 mL. 0.8 rounded to the nearest tenth

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is 2 days postoperative for thoracic surgery is reporting incisional pain 2 hours after receiving pain medication. The client rates the pain as 5 on a pain scale of 0 to 10. After placing a call to the healthcare provider, which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["0.8"]

Explanation

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