A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has been experiencing profuse vomiting and watery diarrhea for the past 24 hours. The client reports muscle weakness and palpitations. Based on these findings, the client is at greatest risk for developing which of the following conditions?
Hypercalcemia.
Hypertension.
Hypokalemia.
Hypernatremia.
Hypoglycemia.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: Hypercalcemia typically stems from hyperparathyroidism or bone malignancy; it is not a primary complication of acute gastrointestinal fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea.
Choice B rationale: Hypertension is unlikely in this scenario; significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea more commonly leads to hypovolemia, resulting in decreased blood pressure or hypotension.
Choice C rationale: Hypokalemia occurs because gastric contents and intestinal fluids are rich in potassium; excessive loss through vomiting and diarrhea directly depletes serum potassium levels, causing cardiac and muscular symptoms.
Choice D rationale: Hypernatremia can occur with dehydration, but in secretory diarrhea, sodium and water are often lost together, making the clinical focus on potassium replacement more urgent for cardiac stability.
Choice E rationale: Hypoglycemia is not the primary risk here; while oral intake may be low, the body's stress response to illness typically maintains or elevates blood glucose through gluconeogenesis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant used to control seizures and is not indicated for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency.
Choice B rationale
Calcitonin is used to treat conditions like osteoporosis and hypercalcemia, not adrenal insufficiency.
Choice C rationale
Buspirone is an anxiolytic used to treat anxiety disorders and is not used for adrenal insufficiency.
Choice D rationale
Fludrocortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used to replace aldosterone in patients with adrenal insufficiency. It helps maintain sodium balance and blood pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works by numbing the throat and lungs, making the cough reflex less active. It can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so patients are advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery while taking this medication.
Choice B rationale
Benzonatate does not help in coughing up mucus. It suppresses the cough reflex, which can be beneficial for dry, irritating coughs but is not suitable for productive coughs where mucus needs to be expelled.
Choice C rationale
There is no need to decrease dietary fiber intake while taking benzonatate. Dietary fiber does not interact with the medication or its effectiveness.
Choice D rationale
Benzonatate capsules should not be chewed or crushed, as this can cause numbness of the mouth and throat, leading to potential choking hazards.
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