A nurse assesses four patients. Which patient has greatest risk for hypomagnesemia?
a 41-year-old with hypernatremia
a 72-year-old with chronic alcoholism
a 79-year-old with bone cancer
a 46-year-old with respiratory acidosis
The Correct Answer is B
A) 41-year-old with hypernatremia:
Hypernatremia refers to elevated levels of sodium in the blood. While hypernatremia can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, it does not directly correlate with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia.
B) 72-year-old with chronic alcoholism:
Chronic alcoholism is a significant risk factor for hypomagnesemia. Alcohol abuse can lead to poor dietary intake of magnesium, increased renal excretion of magnesium, and impaired absorption of magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract, all contributing to magnesium deficiency.
C) 79-year-old with bone cancer:
Bone cancer does not inherently increase the risk of hypomagnesemia. However, depending on the treatment modalities and disease progression, the client may be at risk for other electrolyte imbalances or complications associated with bone cancer.
D) 46-year-old with respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis refers to an acid-base imbalance characterized by elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to impaired ventilation. While respiratory acidosis can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium imbalances, it is not directly linked to hypomagnesemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this scenario, the nurse's decision not to administer the pain medication is not based on maximizing overall benefit but rather on avoiding harm to the individual client.
B) Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. The nurse's decision not to administer the pain medication is rooted in the desire to avoid causing harm to the client by potentially hastening their death.
C) Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the obligation to fulfill commitments and responsibilities. While important, fidelity is not directly relevant to the nurse's decision in this scenario.
D) Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty. While honesty is crucial in communicating with the client and their family about their condition and care, it is not the primary ethical principle guiding the nurse's decision in this situation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Pain level:
While assessing pain is important to determine the effectiveness of the pain management, it is not the immediate priority after administering an opioid.
B) Pulse oximetry:
Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical as opioids can depress respiratory function. However, it is indirectly related to the primary effect of the medication on the central nervous system.
C) Blood pressure:
Monitoring blood pressure is important as opioids can cause hypotension, but it is not as critical as monitoring the level of sedation and respiratory status.
D) Level of sedation:
This is the priority because opioids can cause significant sedation and respiratory depression. Assessing the level of sedation helps determine if the client is at risk of further complications like respiratory arrest. Over-sedation can be a precursor to more serious complications, making this assessment crucial.
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