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. WBC 13,000/mm3 is slightly elevated and might indicate an infection, but it is not critically high in the context of COPD. The nurse should still monitor the client for signs of infection but is unlikely to require immediate intervention.
B. Potassium 3.7 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) and does not require reporting.
C. Hgb 20 g/dL is elevated and should be reported. High hemoglobin levels can indicate dehydration, polycythemia, or other conditions related to chronic hypoxia, which is common in COPD. This value is above the normal range (12–18 g/dL for adults) and requires further evaluation.
D. Iron 150 mcg/dL is within the normal range (50–170 mcg/dL for adults) and does not require reporting.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A client who has a sodium intake of 1,200 mg/day.: A sodium intake of 1,200 mg/day is actually within the recommended range for most adults. Therefore, this client does not require a dietitian’s consultation based on this information alone.
B. A client who has a serum albumin level of 4.5 g/dL.: A serum albumin level of 4.5 g/dL is within the normal reference range. There is no immediate concern with this level, so an interprofessional care conference is not necessary for this client.
C. A client who has a body mass index of 32.: A BMI of 32 is classified as obese, which can increase the risk of various health problems. A dietitian’s input can help address dietary modifications to manage weight and improve health outcomes, making an interprofessional care conference appropriate.
D. A client who has a total fat intake of 25% of daily calories.: A fat intake of 25% is within the acceptable range for most adults and does not immediately warrant a referral to a dietitian unless there are other concerns.
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