A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. Which of the following laboratory results indicates a possible complication of this therapy?
Serum calcium 12.5 mg/dL
BUN 16 mg/dL
Serum potassium 4.6 mEq/L
WBC count 8,000/mm³
The Correct Answer is A
A nurse caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition should identify that a serum calcium level of 12.5 mg/dL indicates a possible complication of this therapy. Total parenteral nutrition can result in electrolyte imbalances, including hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood).
The other laboratory results are within normal ranges and do not indicate a complication of total parenteral nutrition.
b) A BUN level of 16 mg/dL is within the normal range.
c) A serum potassium level of 4.6 mEq/L is within the normal range.
d) A WBC count of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should identify that the newborn is making audible swallowing sounds as an indication that they are breastfeeding effectively. This indicates that the newborn is able to latch onto the breast and transfer milk effectively.
a) Falling asleep 5 minutes after starting a feeding may indicate that the newborn is not getting enough milk.
b) Having 3 wet diapers each day is not enough for a 5-day-old newborn. A newborn should have at least 6 wet diapers per day.
c) Having a bowel movement every other day is not an indication of effective breastfeeding. A breastfed newborn should have at least 3 bowel movements per day.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A nurse collecting data from a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 3 days should identify that muscle weakness is a symptom of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition in which the blood potassium level is low and can be caused by excessive fluid loss through diarrhea. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, so when blood potassium levels are low, muscles may produce weaker contractions which result in muscle weakness.
The other options are not typical symptoms of hypokalemia.
a) Pitting edema is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
b) Diplopia is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
d) Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
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