A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and has an NG tube that has drained 2,500 ml. In the past 6 hr. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following electrolyte Imbalances?
Decreased potassium level
Decreased calcium level
Elevated magnesium level
Elevated sodium level
The Correct Answer is A
A. Decreased potassium level
NG tube drainage can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to the loss of gastric fluids, which contain significant amounts of potassium. This choice is correct.
B. Decreased calcium level
Calcium levels are not directly affected by NG tube drainage.
C. Elevated magnesium level
NG tube drainage does not typically lead to elevated magnesium levels.
D. Elevated sodium level
NG tube drainage can result in hyponatremia (low sodium levels) due to the loss of gastric fluids. Elevated sodium levels are not expected in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Check the client for a positive Chvostek’s sign:
Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia, not related to the given laboratory values. The symptoms include facial muscle twitching when the facial nerve (VII) is tapped. There's no indication for this assessment based on the provided information.
B. Discontinue the TPN infusion:
The glucose level is within the normal range (70-99 mg/dL). Discontinuing TPN based solely on this glucose level is not warranted.
C. Request a potassium replacement:
The potassium level is low (normal range typically 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Given the low potassium level, the nurse should plan to request a potassium replacement. Potassium is crucial for various physiological functions, and a deficiency can lead to significant complications.
D. Administer glucagon IM:
Glucagon is used to treat hypoglycemia, but the client's glucose level is within the normal range, so administering glucagon is not indicated.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus can cause easy bruising and slow wound healing, but it is not typically associated with frequent nosebleeds.
B. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A primarily affects the liver and does not cause frequent bruising and nosebleeds.
C. Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver tissue due to long-term liver damage, can lead to impaired liver function. One consequence of cirrhosis is decreased production of clotting factors, which can result in easy bruising. Additionally, the enlarged spleen in cirrhosis can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), contributing to bleeding tendencies, including nosebleeds. Cirrhosis is the most likely condition given the symptoms described.
D. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder and is not directly associated with frequent bruising and nosebleeds.
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