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 A

Choice A reason: The results are within the normal reference range for both potassium and sodium, which is expected unless the client's condition has led to significant electrolyte imbalances.

Choice B reason: A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L is at the higher end of the normal range, which might not be expected in a client with vomiting and diarrhea, conditions that often lead to lower potassium levels.

Choice C reason: A serum potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range and could indicate hyperkalemia, especially in the context of severe dehydration.

Choice D reason: A serum sodium level of 149 mEq/L is slightly above the normal range and could indicate hypernatremia, which may occur in dehydration but would require further assessment and intervention.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

The healthcare provider has prescribed 4,800 mg of magnesium hydroxide. The bottle indicates that each 5 mL contains 400 mg of magnesium hydroxide. We also know that 1 ounce (oz) is equivalent to 30 mL.

Step 1: The amount of magnesium hydroxide the patient needs is 4,800 mg.

Step 2: The concentration of the magnesium hydroxide solution is 400 mg per 5 mL. Step 3: Substitute the values into the formula: 4,800 mg ÷ (400 mg/5 mL).

Step 4: Calculate the volume in mL: 4,800 ÷ (400/5) = 60 mL.

Now, we need to convert this volume from mL to ounces.

Step 5: We know that 1 oz = 30 mL.

Step 6: Substitute the values into the formula: 60 mL ÷ 30 mL/oz.

Step 7: Calculate the volume in oz: 60 ÷ 30 = 2 oz.

A. Teach the client alternative ways to manage chronic pain. B. Instruct the client to take the morphine sulfate every 12 hours as prescribed. C. Tell the client to continue taking the morphine sulfate with severe pain. D. Explain the risk of drug addiction from long-term pain medications.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: While teaching alternative ways to manage pain is important, it does not address the immediate issue of the client not taking the medication as prescribed.

Choice B reason: The client should be instructed to take the medication as prescribed to maintain consistent pain control and prevent breakthrough pain.

Choice C reason: Advising the client to take the medication only with severe pain is contrary to the prescribed regimen and could lead to inadequate pain management.

Choice D reason: It is important to discuss the risks of long-term medication use, but the priority is to ensure that the client understands the importance of taking the medication as prescribed for effective pain management.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

An older adult client returns to the clinic for chronic pain management after taking morphine sulfate 25 mg PO every 12 hours. The client reports taking the medication only when the pain was too severe to sleep. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Patient Data Exhibits Based on the trending heart rate and pain score, what should the nurse do? Select all that apply.

While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notices the boundary of the wound has increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should evaluate which of the client's laboratory values?

The nurse assesses an adult client with a partial rebreather mask and notes that the oxygen reservoir bag does not deflate completely during respiration and the client's respiratory rate is 14 breaths/minute. Which action should the nurse implement?

When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? Reference Range: Potassium (K+) 3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)

A family member is demonstrating wound care using sterile technique. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?

The nurse has removed a barbiturate capsule from the unit dose wrapper to administer to a client. The client decides to watch a television program and requests not to take the medication. Which action should the nurse implement?