A nurse is assessing a client admitted to a health care facility with nausea, vomiting. and abdominal cramps and distention. Which test result is most significant?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 29 mg/dl
Serum sodium level of 132 mEq/L
Urine specific gravity of 1.025
Serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
A. A BUN of 29 mg/dL is slightly elevated and may suggest dehydration, but it is not the most immediately critical finding.
B. A sodium level of 132 mEq/L is mildly hyponatremic but not acutely life-threatening in most cases.
C. A urine specific gravity of 1.025 is within the normal range (1.010–1.030) and not alarming on its own.
D. A serum potassium level of 3 mEq/L is hypokalemic and clinically significant, especially in a client with vomiting. Low potassium can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, making it the most urgent value to address.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Risk for peripheral neurovascular dysfunction is more relevant in conditions involving compromised circulation or trauma to extremities, not typical for SIADH.
B. Excess fluid volume is the priority concern in SIADH due to excessive release of antidiuretic hormone, leading to water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and potential for cerebral edema.
C. Hypothermia is not a hallmark feature of SIADH and is not typically associated with fluid or sodium imbalances.
D. Ineffective airway clearance may be relevant in respiratory conditions but is not a primary issue in SIADH.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Gallstones are one of the most common causes of acute pancreatitis. They can obstruct the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation and enzyme activation within the pancreas.
B. Hypolipidemia is not associated with pancreatitis; in fact, hyperlipidemia is a known risk factor.
C. COPD is unrelated to pancreatic inflammation and is not a typical risk factor.
D. Diabetes mellitus is more often a complication of chronic pancreatitis, not a primary cause of acute pancreatitis.
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