The nurse caring for a client reviews the medical record and determines the client is at risk for developing a potassium deficit because of which situation?
History of Addison's disease.
Has sustained tissue damage.
Uric acid level of 9.4 mg/dL.
Requires nasogastric suction.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Requires nasogastric suction.

Nasogastric suction removes gastric secretions that contain potassium, leading to a loss of potassium from the body.
This can cause hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood.
Choice A is wrong because Addison’s disease causes hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood.
Choice B is wrong because tissue damage can release potassium from the cells into the blood, causing hyperkalemia.
Choice C is wrong because uric acid level is not related to potassium level.
Uric acid is a waste product of purine metabolism that can cause gout or kidney stones if elevated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Yankauer catheter. A Yankauer catheter is a suction device used for oral suctioning. It is important for this client to have access to a Yankauer catheter for safe and effective suctioning of secretions from the mouth.
Option A is incorrect because an Oropharyngeal airway is used to maintain or open the airway.
Option B is incorrect because the water-soluble lubricant is used for lubricating the suction catheter during suctioning.
Option D is incorrect because sterile gloves are not routinely needed for suctioning.
Reasons why the other options are not answered: Option A: An oropharyngeal airway is not used for suctioning but is used to maintain an open airway in an unconscious patient. Option B: Water-soluble lubricant is used for lubricating the suction catheter during suctioning. Option D: Sterile gloves are not routinely needed for suctioning.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should identify an oral temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) as the priority finding in a client who is postoperative following a total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism. An elevated temperature can indicate infection, which is a risk after surgery. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage on dressings, serum calcium level 9.2 mg/dL, and report of a sore throat, respectively, are expected findings after a total thyroidectomy and do not require immediate action.
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