A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Respiratory acidosis
Hypermagnesemia
Hypertension
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is D
A. Respiratory acidosis is incorrect. Chronic diarrhea typically leads to metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs due to the loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea, which affects the body’s acid-base balance.
B. Hypermagnesemia is incorrect. Chronic diarrhea is more likely to lead to hypomagnesemia due to the loss of electrolytes through frequent bowel movements, not an increase in magnesium levels.
C. Hypertension is incorrect. Chronic diarrhea generally leads to dehydration and hypotension due to fluid loss rather than high blood pressure.
D. Hypokalemia is correct. Chronic diarrhea causes significant potassium loss, which can result in hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Potassium is lost in the stool, and this depletion can lead to muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inspect the incision of a client who is postoperative following a leg amputation is incorrect. Inspecting an incision requires clinical assessment to identify signs of infection, dehiscence, or other complications, which should be performed by a licensed nurse.
B. Evaluate the need to suction the airway of a client who has a new tracheostomy is incorrect. Suctioning the airway of a client with a tracheostomy is a skilled task that requires assessment of the airway and airway management, which should be performed by a nurse.
C. Complete postmortem care for a client who has died is correct. Postmortem care, such as cleaning and preparing the body, is a task that can be delegated to an AP. The AP should not be involved in clinical assessments but can perform routine care under supervision.
D. Feed a client who has difficulty swallowing liquids following a stroke is incorrect. Feeding a client with swallowing difficulties requires careful monitoring and risk assessment for aspiration, which is outside the scope of tasks that can be delegated to an AP without proper training.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. BUN 20 mg/dL: This is not specific to HELLP syndrome. A BUN level of 20 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not indicate the presence of HELLP syndrome, which is associated with liver dysfunction and low platelet count.
B. Platelet count 77,000/mm3: This is correct. HELLP syndrome (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets) is characterized by a low platelet count, often less than 100,000/mm3, which is a critical indicator of this condition.
C. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL: This is a normal hemoglobin level and is not typically associated with HELLP syndrome, where hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells) can cause anemia, which would lower hemoglobin levels.
D. WBC count 18,000/mm3: While an elevated WBC count can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not specifically associated with HELLP syndrome. The hallmark features of HELLP syndrome are low platelets and liver enzyme elevation, not elevated WBC.
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