A nurse is caring for an endurance athlete admitted for altered mental status. The client drank large amounts of water during a recent long-distance running event. The client is confused, complaining of a headache, and has a full bounding pulse. The nurse develops the plan of care based on the expectation that the client's lab work will demonstrate which of the following abnormalities?

Serum potassium 5.0 mEq/L

Serum osmolality 294 mmol/kg

Serum sodium of 127 mEq/L

Serum hemoglobin 15.7 grams/dL

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Serum potassium 5.0 mEq/L: This is within the normal range for serum potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). While potassium levels are important, they are not the primary concern with symptoms of confusion and a bounding pulse due to excessive water intake.
B. Serum osmolality 294 mmol/kg: This value is within the normal range for serum osmolality (275-295 mmol/kg). Elevated or normal osmolality would not be expected in a case of water intoxication, which dilutes serum electrolytes.
C. Serum sodium of 127 mEq/L: A serum sodium level of 127 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, a condition often caused by excessive water intake that dilutes the sodium in the bloodstream. Symptoms such as confusion, headache, and a full bounding pulse are consistent with hyponatremia, making this the expected abnormality.
D. Serum hemoglobin 15.7 grams/dL: This is within the normal range for hemoglobin (12-16 grams/dL for women and 13.8-17.2 grams/dL for men). Hemoglobin levels would not be expected to change significantly due to water intoxication.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Provide adequate and regular pain medication: Effective pain management is crucial for postoperative clients to perform deep breathing, coughing, and ambulation comfortably and effectively. Pain relief enables better participation in these activities.
B. Teach the client pursed-lip breathing: While pursed-lip breathing is beneficial for some respiratory conditions, it is less directly related to promoting postoperative activities compared to pain management.
C. Encourage continued bedrest and ensure quality sleep: Encouraging bedrest may hinder postoperative recovery; instead, ambulation and movement are important for recovery.
D. Use an incentive spirometer to motivate the client: Although an incentive spirometer helps with deep breathing, it is less effective without proper pain management to support these activities.

A. Hypocalcemia B. Hypokalemia C. Hypophosphatemia D. Hyponatremia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia can cause signs such as muscle twitching, spasms, or tetany, which could be observed in the upper extremity and might be noted during a blood pressure measurement.
B. Hypokalemia: While hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cramping, it is less directly associated with specific upper extremity signs compared to hypocalcemia.
C. Hypophosphatemia: This generally affects energy levels and muscle function but is less commonly associated with immediate and visible upper extremity signs.
D. Hyponatremia: This primarily affects fluid balance and mental status, and is less likely to present with specific upper extremity findings during a blood pressure check.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

To promote effective coughing, deep breathing, and ambulation in the postoperative client, what nursing action is most important?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The illustration reflects a client's upper extremity while the nurse obtains a manual blood pressure. Which electrolyte abnormality is the nurse most likely to see in the client's blood chemistry results?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client has a serum calcium level of 12.8 mg/dL. Which medication will likely be prescribed for this client?

The nurse is rounding on a client who is 12 hours postoperative. Upon assessment, the client becomes tachycardic, hypotensive, and restless and complains of sudden chest pain. Which postoperative complication should the nurse conclude that the client most likely experienced?

A nurse is providing care for a hospitalized client admitted with dehydration. Which assessment finding indicates interventions have been effective?

A client who takes furosemide (Lasix) and propranolol (Inderal) is scheduled for breast reconstruction surgery. Which additional client information requires prompt collaboration with the healthcare provider before surgery?

A nurse is caring for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy. Which intervention best prevents postoperative thrombosis?

The nurse is caring for a client being treated for fluid volume excess. Which assessment finding indicates that treatment has been effective?

Orders were written for a client to be weaned off of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and started on a low-residue diet. The TPN solution has been infusing at a continuous rate of 90 ml/hr for three weeks. Which of the following orders should the nurse anticipate next?