A nurse is reviewing a client's admission laboratory findings that indicate the client has hyponatremia. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse also expect to be below the expected reference range?
Chloride
Calcium
Potassium
Magnesium
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Chloride levels often decrease along with sodium, as they are closely related electrolytes. Hyponatremia is commonly accompanied by hypochloremia.
B. Calcium levels are regulated independently of sodium and are not typically affected by hyponatremia.
C. Potassium may be normal, low, or even high depending on the underlying cause; it is not consistently low with hyponatremia.
D. Magnesium levels do not typically mirror sodium levels and are regulated separately.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This is an early and potentially serious sign of cardiac involvement in hypokalemia. It can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Continuous cardiac monitoring is essential in patients with low potassium levels.
B. Muscle cramps – Common in hypokalemia due to muscle cell irritability, but not immediately life-threatening like cardiac effects.
C. Fatigue is a general symptom of hypokalemia, but nonspecific and not as critical as ECG changes.
D. Decreased bowel sounds – Reflects reduced smooth muscle activity (hypokalemia can slow GI motility), but this is also less critical than cardiac dysrhythmias.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Diabetes insipidus can lead to profound dehydration due to excessive fluid loss. A urine specific gravity of 1.002 indicates very dilute urine, supporting the concern. This child is at immediate risk for hypovolemic shock, so the nurse should assess them first.
B. A pulse oximetry of 95% is within acceptable range for a child with asthma, suggesting no acute distress at this time.
C. Roseola with a fever of 39°C is expected; while monitoring is needed, it's not the highest priority.
D. Pain of 6/10 in sickle cell anemia is concerning and requires attention, but it is not as emergent as potential fluid imbalance in diabetes insipidus.
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