A nurse is assessing a client who has an electrolyte imbalance with an elevated total calcium level of 12.8 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Hyperreflexia
Diarrhea
Muscle twitching
Lethargy
The Correct Answer is D
A) Hyperreflexia:
Hyperreflexia is typically associated with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), not elevated levels. An elevated calcium level often results in reduced neuromuscular excitability, leading to diminished reflexes rather than heightened ones.
B) Diarrhea:
Elevated calcium levels are more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Hypercalcemia often slows gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to decreased bowel movements and constipation.
C) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching is generally a symptom of hypocalcemia rather than hypercalcemia. Elevated calcium levels tend to depress neuromuscular activity, making muscle twitching less likely.
D) Lethargy:
Lethargy is a common symptom of hypercalcemia. High calcium levels can depress the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, confusion, and lethargy. This makes lethargy a likely finding in a client with an elevated total calcium level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Provide a detailed account of the feelings and sounds the client will experience:
While explaining the procedure can be helpful, it might increase anxiety for someone with claustrophobia by focusing on potentially distressing details. It's more effective to use relaxation techniques or medications to manage acute anxiety.
B) Obtain a prescription for clonazepam:
Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, can help reduce anxiety and is often used to manage claustrophobia during procedures like an MRI. This medication can help the client stay calm and more comfortable during the scan.
C) Obtain a prescription for ziprasidone:
Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication and is not typically used for managing situational anxiety or claustrophobia. Using an appropriate anxiolytic like clonazepam is more effective in this context.
D) Inform the client that the time spent in the MRI machine will only be 5 min:
This statement is misleading as MRI scans usually take longer than 5 minutes. Providing inaccurate information can undermine trust and increase anxiety if the procedure takes longer than stated.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "Gestational diabetes increases the risk of your baby having hemorrhagic disease after birth." Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn is typically related to vitamin K deficiency, not gestational diabetes. Thus, this response does not directly address the risks associated with gestational diabetes.
B) "Gestational diabetes increases the risk of your baby having a cleft lip or palate." Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that are more related to genetic and environmental factors during the early stages of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes does not increase the risk of these specific congenital abnormalities.
C) "Gestational diabetes increases the risk of your baby having hypoglycemia after birth." This is correct. Infants born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia shortly after birth due to the high levels of insulin produced in response to maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy.
D) "Gestational diabetes increases the risk of your baby having a low birth weight." Gestational diabetes more commonly leads to macrosomia (large birth weight) rather than low birth weight. The excessive glucose levels in the mother’s blood can result in increased fetal insulin production, leading to increased growth and fat deposits.
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