A nurse is providing care for a client who has hypervolemia, ketoacidosis, and metabolic acidosis. Which of the following lab values should the nurse be concerned about?

Serum potassium levels

Serum calcium levels

Serum sodium levels

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is a) Serum potassium levels.

Choice A reason:

Serum potassium levels are crucial to monitor in clients with hypervolemia, ketoacidosis, and metabolic acidosis. Potassium imbalances are common in these conditions due to shifts between intracellular and extracellular compartments. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), for example, insulin deficiency and acidosis cause potassium to move out of cells, leading to hyperkalemia. However, once treatment with insulin begins, potassium shifts back into cells, which can cause hypokalemia. Both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia can have serious cardiac implications, making it essential to monitor and manage potassium levels closely.

Choice B reason:

Serum calcium levels are important for overall health, but they are not the primary concern in the context of hypervolemia, ketoacidosis, and metabolic acidosis. While calcium imbalances can occur, they are less common and less immediately life-threatening compared to potassium imbalances. Monitoring calcium is still necessary, but it does not require the same level of immediate intervention.

Choice C reason:

Serum sodium levels are also important to monitor, especially in conditions like hypervolemia where fluid balance is disrupted. However, sodium imbalances are typically managed through fluid management and do not pose the same immediate risk as potassium imbalances in the context of ketoacidosis and metabolic acidosis. Hyponatremia or hypernatremia can cause neurological symptoms, but these are generally less acute compared to the cardiac risks associated with potassium imbalances.

Choice D reason:

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels provide information about kidney function and hydration status. Elevated BUN can indicate dehydration or renal impairment, which are relevant in the context of hypervolemia and ketoacidosis. However, BUN levels do not require the same level of immediate intervention as potassium levels. Monitoring BUN is important for overall management but is not the primary concern in acute settings.

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 ["D"]

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

A urine specific gravity of 1.010 falls within the normal range of 1.005 to 1.0301. This value does not indicate hyponatremia. In SIADH, urine is often more concentrated due to the retention of water, leading to higher specific gravity values.

Choice B Reason:

Respiratory alkalosis is not a typical manifestation of hyponatremia. It is usually associated with conditions that cause hyperventilation, such as anxiety or high altitude. SIADH typically does not cause respiratory alkalosis.

Choice C Reason:

Diarrhea is not a direct manifestation of hyponatremia. While diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia, it is not a symptom caused by SIADH5. SIADH leads to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia, not diarrhea.

Choice D Reason:

Diminished reflexes are a manifestation of hyponatremia. Low sodium levels affect neuromuscular function, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and diminished reflexes7. This is a direct result of the electrolyte imbalance caused by SIADH.

A. Serum potassium 5.0 mEq/L B. Serum calcium 8.0 mg/dL C. Serum sodium 125 mEq/L D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 24 mg/dL

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:

A serum potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). While it is on the higher end of normal, it does not require immediate intervention in the context of SIADH. Potassium levels are crucial for cardiac and muscle function, but this value does not indicate a critical imbalance.

Choice B reason:

A serum calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL is slightly below the normal range (8.5-10.2 mg/dL). Mild hypocalcemia can occur in various conditions, but it is not typically associated with SIADH and does not require immediate intervention unless symptomatic or significantly lower.

Choice C reason:

A serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which is a hallmark of SIADH. Hyponatremia can lead to severe neurological symptoms, including seizures, confusion, and coma, especially if it develops rapidly. Immediate intervention is required to correct the sodium imbalance and prevent serious complications.

Choice D reason:

A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 24 mg/dL is within the upper normal range (7-20 mg/dL). While slightly elevated, it is not critically high and does not require immediate intervention in the context of SIADH. BUN levels can be influenced by various factors, including hydration status and renal function.

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 providing care for a client who has hypervolemia, ketoacidosis, and metabolic acidosis. Which of the following lab values should the nurse be concerned about?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing care for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Which of the following findings are manifestations of hyponatremia? (Select All that Apply)

Correct Answer is ["D"]

Explanation

The nurse is providing care for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and is critically ill. Which of the following lab findings requires immediate intervention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing a client’s laboratory results and sees that their hemoglobin A1C is 9. Which of the following statements from the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is teaching a group of clients about risk factors for developing atrial flutter. Which of the following clients should the nurse understand is at highest risk for developing atrial flutter?

A nurse is teaching a client who has peripheral venous disease about management of symptoms. Which of the following client statements indicates to the nurse an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is providing education to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus and has been experiencing hypoglycemic episodes. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is providing care for an older adult client who has hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). Which of the following clinical manifestations support the diagnosis? Select all that apply.

A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who was admitted with diabetes insipidus. Which of the following teaching topics should be prioritized?

A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate to his client? (Select All that Apply)

A nurse is teaching a client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus about insulin safety. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?