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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Before initiating tube feeding, it is crucial to ensure that the gastrointestinal system is functioning. The presence of bowel sounds indicates peristalsis, which is necessary for the digestion and absorption of the feeding.

Choice B reason: While measuring the client's total body weight is important for overall assessment and monitoring of nutritional status, it is not the most critical assessment before starting tube feeding.

Choice C reason: Evaluating the client's ability to swallow is not relevant in this scenario since the client will be receiving nutrition through a feeding tube due to malnutrition and dehydration.

Choice D reason: Observing for signs of fluid volume deficit is important, but the immediate concern before starting tube feeding is to confirm gastrointestinal activity through the presence of bowel sounds.

A. Drink 800 to 1,000 milliliters of fluid daily. B. Take oxycodone as scheduled to prevent painful bowel movements. C. Add fat-containing foods in the diet to lubricate stools for easier passage. D. Ambulate early and as frequently as possible.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Drinking 800 to 1,000 milliliters of fluid daily is below the recommended intake for most adults, which is generally around 2,000 milliliters per day to help prevent constipation.

Choice B reason: Oxycodone is an opioid that can actually lead to constipation, and its use should be carefully managed, not necessarily taken as scheduled for this purpose.

Choice C reason: Adding fat-containing foods is not a standard recommendation for preventing constipation; instead, a high-fiber diet is usually advised.

Choice D reason: Early and frequent ambulation is encouraged postoperatively to help stimulate bowel function and prevent constipation.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is admitted for malnutrition and severe dehydration receives a prescription for liquid feedings through a feeding tube. After the feeding tube is inserted and placement confirmed, which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete before starting the feeding?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is providing postoperative teaching to a client on ways to prevent constipation. Which information should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The home health nurse is reviewing the personal care needs of an older adult client who lives alone. What client assessment finding(s) indicate(s) the need to assign an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to provide routine foot care and has the client's toenails? 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?

Exhibits Chart Reviewed For each statement, click to indicate whether the statement is true or false.

A small, round raised area appears under the client's skin as the nurse administers an intradermal medication. Which action should the nurse take?

When conducting diet teaching for a client who is on a postoperative clear liquid diet, which foods should the nurse encourage the client to consume? Select all that apply.

The nurse plans to encourage a group of young adult clients to engage in problem-solving strategies. Which action is most useful for the nurse to include during the teaching session?

A nurse finds a confused client wandering in the hallway during the night. What actions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.