A nurse is caring for a client with a current blood potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which finding would this client have?

Constipation

Polyuria

EKG with a U wave

Paresthesias of the extremities

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Constipation: Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) typically affect neuromuscular and cardiac function rather than gastrointestinal motility. Constipation is more commonly associated with conditions like hypokalemia or electrolyte imbalances affecting the gastrointestinal system.

B) Polyuria: Polyuria, or excessive urination, is not directly caused by hyperkalemia. It can occur due to conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, or as a side effect of certain medications like diuretics. Hyperkalemia does not typically lead to increased urine output and may even lead to oliguria if severe renal impairment occurs.

C) EKG with a U wave: The presence of a U wave on an electrocardiogram (EKG) is typically associated with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. U waves are seen when potassium levels are low, reflecting delayed repolarization of the ventricles. In hyperkalemia, EKG changes more commonly include peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, and widened QRS complexes.

D) Paresthesias of the extremities: Hyperkalemia can cause paresthesias, which are sensations of tingling or numbness, particularly in the extremities. This occurs due to the effect of elevated potassium levels on nerve and muscle function. As potassium is essential for maintaining normal neuromuscular function, deviations from normal levels can disrupt action potentials and lead to sensory disturbances like paresthesias.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) They must also take a vitamin D supplement: Calcium absorption is highly dependent on vitamin D, which facilitates the absorption of calcium in the intestines. Taking a vitamin D supplement alongside calcium ensures effective utilization of calcium, improving bone health and preventing deficiencies.

B) Reduce sodium intake: While reducing sodium intake can benefit overall health and reduce fluid retention, it is not directly related to the absorption of calcium supplements. The focus should be on ensuring adequate vitamin D levels for proper calcium absorption.

C) Decrease the amount of fiber in your diet: High fiber diets do not necessarily hinder calcium absorption to a significant extent. In fact, maintaining a balanced diet with adequate fiber is important for overall health. Fiber does not need to be reduced specifically for better calcium absorption.

D) Take the medication with orange juice to increase absorption: Orange juice is high in vitamin C, which does not significantly impact calcium absorption. Calcium supplements are best taken with vitamin D or with meals to enhance absorption, rather than with orange juice alone.

A. Mashed potatoes B. High-fiber cereals C. Fruit with the skin D. Raw vegetables

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with a current blood potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which finding would this client have?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who needs to start taking a calcium supplement. Which recommendation should the nurse make about taking calcium supplements?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

﻿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

A nurse is providing nutritional education to a client recently diagnosed with high cholesterol. The nurse should provide the client with which statements regarding their diet restrictions?

﻿A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia and requires IV fluid therapy. Which solution should the nurse prepare to infuse for this client?

A nurse is caring for a client with an order for one unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). The nurse should anticipate to remain ate client's bedside during which time period of the infusion?

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia and requires IV fluid therapy. Which solution should the nurse prepare to infuse for this client?

﻿A nurse is caring for a client with severe hypokalemia. The provider places an order for IV potassium chloride (KCI) 60 mEq x1 now. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?

A nurse is calculating a client's body mass index (BMI). Which of the following information does the nurse require?

A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a subtotal thyroidectomy. This morning's labs show a calcium level of 3 mg/dL (9- 10.5 mg/dL). Which assessment would the nurse anticipate to be positive?

A nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client. Which finding should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is dehydrated?

A nurse is caring for a client with a current blood potassium level of 5.4 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which finding would this client have?