A nurse is assessing a client with profuse vomiting and diarrhea. Which finding is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

Hyperactive bowel sounds

muscle weakness

Increased thirst

Cerebral edema

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Hyperactive bowel sounds:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with conditions like diarrhea or gastrointestinal obstruction. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, typically affects muscle function rather than bowel activity directly.

B) Muscle weakness:

Muscle weakness is a key manifestation of hypokalemia. Potassium is crucial for muscle function, and a deficiency can lead to significant weakness and fatigue, which is a common symptom in individuals with low potassium levels.

C) Increased thirst:

Increased thirst is more commonly associated with dehydration or hypernatremia rather than hypokalemia. While hypokalemia can cause fluid imbalances, increased thirst is not a primary symptom of low potassium levels.

D) Cerebral edema:

Cerebral edema is not typically associated with hypokalemia. It is more commonly related to conditions such as head injury, infection, or other fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Hypokalemia primarily affects muscle function and heart rhythm.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) The client's daily calorie intake: While daily calorie intake is important for understanding a client's nutritional needs and managing their diet, it is not required for calculating BMI. BMI calculation focuses on weight and height rather than caloric intake.

B) The client's waist circumference: Waist circumference is useful for assessing abdominal fat distribution and risk of obesity-related conditions, but it is not needed for calculating BMI. BMI calculation requires height and weight, not waist measurements.

C) The client's height: To calculate BMI, the client's height is essential. BMI is determined by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters (kg/m²). Accurate height measurement is crucial for this calculation.

D) The client's skinfold thickness: Skinfold thickness measurements are used to estimate body fat percentage but are not required for calculating BMI. BMI relies solely on weight and height, not body fat estimates.

A. dysphagia B. hypoactive deep tendon reflexes (DTR) C. hypomagnesemia D. positive Chvostek sign hypertension

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Dysphagia: While dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) can occur in individuals with long-term alcohol use, especially if there is coexisting neurological damage or esophageal disorders, it is not specifically associated with vomiting and diarrhea in the context of this scenario. The primary concern here involves electrolyte imbalances.

B) Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes (DTR): Hypoactive DTRs are typically associated with hypermagnesemia rather than hypomagnesemia. In this case, the client's condition is more likely to lead to electrolyte deficiencies, including hypomagnesemia, due to vomiting, diarrhea, and poor nutritional intake.

C) Hypomagnesemia: Chronic alcohol use often results in nutritional deficiencies, and vomiting and diarrhea can further exacerbate this by depleting electrolytes. Hypomagnesemia is a common finding in long-term alcoholics due to poor dietary intake, gastrointestinal losses, and renal losses. This can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tremors, and altered mental status. Hypomagnesemia is particularly concerning because it can affect cardiovascular stability and neuromuscular function.

D) Positive Chvostek sign: A positive Chvostek sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, which can occur secondary to hypomagnesemia. However, it is not as directly associated with chronic alcoholism as hypomagnesemia itself. The positive Chvostek sign involves a facial muscle spasm in response to tapping the facial nerve and indicates neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels. While related, the primary electrolyte imbalance expected here is hypomagnesemia.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is assessing a client with profuse vomiting and diarrhea. Which finding is a manifestation of hypokalemia?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is calculating a client's body mass index (BMI). Which of the following information does the nurse require?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

﻿A nurse is caring for a client who is a long-term alcoholic. The client presents to the emergency department with vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Which findings would the nurse expect to find in this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?

A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed a mechanical soft diet. Which food choice would be appropriate for this client to have included in their diet?

A nurse is assessing a client who is having fluid volume overload. Which finding should the nurse expect for this client?

﻿A nurse is teaching a client who needs to be on a soft diet. When teaching the client about what he can eat, the nurse should include what food would be indicated in this type of diet?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who takes furosemide (Lasix), a loop diuretic. The nurse should recommend which of the food is a great source of potassium?

A nurse is caring for a client who is suffering from dysphagia after a stroke and is currently NPO. Which member of the inter-professional team would the nurse anticipate will be consulted to determine how this client will be safely fed?

﻿A nurse is assessing a client with a sodium level of 116 mEq/L (135-145 mEq/L). Which finding should the nurse expect for this client to have?

A nurse is admitting a client who has a serum calcium level of 12.3 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL). Which finding should the nurse expect during the initial assessment?