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 D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Leaving the dressing off is not advisable as it can expose the wound to potential infection and delay healing.

Choice B reason: A transparent dressing may not be the best choice for a stage 3 pressure injury with significant granulation tissue.

Choice C reason: Increasing the frequency of dressing changes without specific orders may not be necessary and could disrupt the healing process.

Choice D reason: A hydrocolloid gel dressing is appropriate for a stage 3 pressure injury as it maintains a moist environment, which is conducive to wound healing and granulation.

A. Analogies. B. Role-playing. C. Return demonstration. D. Journaling.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Analogies can be useful for explaining concepts but may not provide the hands-on practice needed for managing confrontational situations.
Choice B reason: Role-playing is an effective strategy for practicing communication skills, as it allows staff to simulate and navigate difficult conversations in a controlled environment.
Choice C reason: Return demonstration is typically used for teaching psychomotor skills and may not be as effective for communication training.
Choice D reason: Journaling is a reflective practice but does not offer the interactive experience needed to prepare for real-life scenarios involving angry family members.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is performing a routine dressing change for a client with a stage 3 pressure injury that is red with significant granulation. The wound has a gauze dressing covering the area. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse learns that members of the nursing staff are uncomfortable with responding to client family members who are angry. While designing a teaching session to help the staff respond more effectively in these situations, which instructional strategy is best for the nurse to use?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While preparing to obtain a stool specimen for occult blood, the nurse observes that the client's feces is soft, formed, and light brown. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse is caring for a client with obstructive sleep apnea. The nurse should recognize that the client is at greater risk for the development of which complication?

When interviewing a client about sexuality/reproductive function, which is the best approach for the nurse to use?

Which explanation is best for the nurse to provide a client who asks the purpose of using the log rolling technique for turning?

While assisting a client with oral care, the nurse assesses the client's mouth. It is most important for the nurse to take action in response to which finding?

The nurse observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) providing care for two clients using the same gloves. Which action should the nurse take first?

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) assigned to feed a client with meningococcal infection, for whom droplet precautions have been implemented, requests a change in assignment, reporting they have not yet been fitted for an N95 respirator mask. Which action should the nurse take?