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?

dysphagia

hypoactive deep tendon reflexes (DTR)

hypomagnesemia

positive Chvostek sign hypertension

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Mashed potatoes:
Mashed potatoes are an appropriate choice for a soft diet as they are easy to chew and swallow. A soft diet typically includes foods that are tender, moist, and easy to digest, which helps in minimizing difficulty while eating.

B) High-fiber cereals:
High-fiber cereals are not suitable for a soft diet. They can be hard and difficult to chew, and the high fiber content might irritate the digestive tract, making them less ideal for individuals on a soft diet.

C) Fruit with the skin:
Fruits with the skin can be difficult to chew and digest, especially for those on a soft diet. The skin of fruits can be tough and may not be appropriate for someone needing a diet with soft, easily manageable foods.

D) Raw vegetables:
Raw vegetables are typically hard and require thorough chewing, which makes them unsuitable for a soft diet. Soft diets require foods that are tender and easy to chew, so raw vegetables do not meet these criteria.

A. Hyperactive bowel sounds B. muscle weakness C. Increased thirst D. Cerebral edema

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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