A client with alcoholism is admitted to a medical-surgical unit with a serum magnesium level of 0.9 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to find in this client?
Tremors and twitching
Positive Chvostek's sign
Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Polyuria and flank pain
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Tremors and twitching are signs of hypomagnesemia, which is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in many enzymatic reactions and neuromuscular functions. A low magnesium level can cause hyperexcitability of the nerves and muscles, leading to involuntary movements and spasms. Alcoholism can cause hypomagnesemia by reducing the absorption and increasing the excretion of magnesium.
Choice B reason: Positive Chvostek's sign is not a sign of hypomagnesemia, but of hypocalcemia, which is a low level of calcium in the blood. Calcium is another mineral that is important for the function of nerves and muscles. A low calcium level can cause tetany, which is a condition of sustained muscle contraction. Chvostek's sign is a test that involves tapping the facial nerve in front of the ear and observing for a twitching of the facial muscles. A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, not hypomagnesemia.
Choice C reason: Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not a sign of hypomagnesemia, but of hypermagnesemia, which is a high level of magnesium in the blood. A high magnesium level can cause hyporeflexia, which is a reduced or absent response to stimuli. Magnesium has a sedative effect on the nerves and muscles, and can inhibit the transmission of impulses. Hypermagnesemia can be caused by excessive intake or impaired excretion of magnesium.
Choice D reason: Polyuria and flank pain are not signs of hypomagnesemia, but of kidney problems, such as infection, stones, or failure. Polyuria is the production of abnormally large amounts of urine, and flank pain is the pain in the side or back below the ribs. These symptoms can indicate damage or inflammation of the kidneys, which can affect the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. Hypomagnesemia does not directly cause polyuria or flank pain, but it can be a result of kidney dysfunction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Stool for occult blood is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of hidden blood in the feces. This can indicate bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which is the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells.
Choice B reason: Vitamin B12 level is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 level is a blood test that measures the amount of vitamin B12 in the body. Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is essential for the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anemia, a type of megaloblastic anemia where the red blood cells are large and immature.
Choice C reason: Schilling's test is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Schilling's test is a urine test that evaluates the absorption of vitamin B12 in the body. It involves giving the client an oral dose of radioactive vitamin B12 and an intramuscular injection of non-radioactive vitamin B12. The urine is then collected and measured for the amount of radioactive vitamin B12. Schilling's test can help diagnose pernicious anemia and other causes of vitamin B12 malabsorption.
Choice D reason: Bone marrow aspiration study is not the diagnostic test that is used to detect the most common cause of chronic iron deficiency anemia. Bone marrow aspiration study is a procedure that involves taking a sample of bone marrow from the hip or sternum and examining it under a microscope. Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside the bones that produces blood cells. Bone marrow aspiration study can help diagnose various blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and aplastic anemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Glucose of 110 mg/dL is not a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a normal blood glucose level for a fasting or non-fasting client.
Choice B reason: Potassium of 3.0 mEq/L is a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a low serum potassium level, which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity by enhancing the binding of digoxin to cardiac cells. The nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, confusion, visual disturbances, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C reason: Calcium of 9.0 mg/dL is not a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a normal serum calcium level for an adult client.
Choice D reason: Sodium of 133 mEq/L is not a finding that indicates digoxin toxicity. It is a slightly low serum sodium level, which may indicate hyponatremia, but not digoxin toxicity.
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