A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports muscle weakness after taking several over-the-counter diet pills. Which of the following laboratory results should be the nurse's priority?

Calcium 8.2 mg/dL

Phosphorous 5.1 mEq/L

Potassium 2.4 mEq/L

Sodium 145 mEq/L

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale:
A. Calcium of 8.2 mg/dL is slightly low but less immediately life-threatening.
B. Phosphorus 5.1 mEq/L is mildly elevated but usually less critical.
C. Potassium 2.4 mEq/L is significantly low (normal 3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and can cause muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and is a medical emergency.
D. Sodium 145 mEq/L is within normal limits.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:

A. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

B. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

C. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

D. pH 7.41: Normal range is 7.35–7.45. PaCO₂ 45 mm Hg: Normal range is 35–45 mm Hg. HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L: Normal range is 22–26 mEq/L. PaO₂ 84 mm Hg: Normal range is 80–100 mm Hg. SaO₂ 97%: Normal range is 95–100%. All values are within normal limits, indicating a balanced acid-base and oxygenation status.

A. 167 mEq/L B. 142 mEq/L C. 136 mEq/L D. 116 mEq/L

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. 167 mEq/L: This indicates hypernatremia, which is typically associated with fluid volume deficit due to water loss, not fluid overload.

B. 142 mEq/L: This is a normal sodium level and does not indicate fluid imbalance on its own.

C. 136 mEq/L: Also within the normal reference range (135–145 mEq/L) and does not signal fluid excess.

D. 116 mEq/L: This level represents severe hyponatremia, commonly seen in fluid volume excess. In conditions like heart failure or renal failure, water retention can dilute serum sodium. The patient’s symptoms (dyspnea, crackles, and edema) are consistent with fluid overload and dilutional hyponatremia.

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A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports muscle weakness after taking several over-the-counter diet pills. Which of the following laboratory results should be the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Interpret the ABG: pH 7.41, PaCO2 45mmHg. HCO3 26, PaO2 84 mmHg. SaO2 97%

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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