A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and a nasogastric (NG) tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hours. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor the client for?
Elevated sodium level
Decreased potassium level
Elevated magnesium level
Decreased calcium level
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Elevated sodium level (hypernatremia) is unlikely with high NG drainage, as gastric fluid contains sodium, risking hyponatremia. The large volume (2,500 mL) suggests significant electrolyte loss, particularly potassium, not sodium accumulation, making this an incorrect imbalance to prioritize in this scenario.
Choice B reason: Decreased potassium level (hypokalemia) is a concern with high NG drainage, as gastric fluid contains potassium. Losing 2,500 mL in 6 hours depletes potassium, risking arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and prolonged ileus. Monitoring potassium prevents life-threatening complications, making it the priority in this postoperative client.
Choice C reason: Elevated magnesium level (hypermagnesemia) is not associated with NG drainage, as gastric fluid has minimal magnesium. Excessive drainage leads to losses of potassium and sodium, not magnesium accumulation, making this an incorrect imbalance to prioritize in this client with postoperative ileus.
Choice D reason: Decreased calcium level (hypocalcemia) is less likely, as gastric fluid has low calcium content. Potassium and sodium losses are more significant due to their higher concentrations in gastric secretions, making hypokalemia a greater concern than hypocalcemia in this high-drainage postoperative scenario.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is []
No explanation
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Maintaining ideal weight supports health in chronic bronchitis but is not the priority. Excess weight increases respiratory workload, but smoking cessation directly reduces airway irritation and mucus production, slowing disease progression more effectively, making weight maintenance a secondary consideration in management.
Choice B reason: Annual influenza immunization prevents exacerbations in chronic bronchitis by reducing infection risk, which worsens airway inflammation. While important, it is less critical than smoking cessation, which addresses the primary cause of chronic bronchitis, making immunization a supportive, not primary, priority.
Choice C reason: Smoking cessation is the priority in chronic bronchitis, as tobacco smoke causes airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and cilia dysfunction. Stopping smoking halts further damage, slows disease progression, and improves lung function, making it the most critical intervention for long-term management of chronic bronchitis.
Choice D reason: Moderate exercise improves endurance and respiratory muscle strength in chronic bronchitis but is secondary to smoking cessation. Exercise supports symptom management but does not address the root cause—smoking-induced airway damage—making it less critical than cessation, which prevents further bronchial irritation.
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