A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of an older adult client who has primary aldosteronism and reports needing to urinate three to four times during the night. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse expect?
Decreased magnesium level
Decreased total calcium level
Elevated phosphate level
Elevated sodium level
The Correct Answer is D
A) Decreased magnesium level: Primary aldosteronism typically affects sodium and potassium balance, but it is less likely to cause significant changes in magnesium levels. Therefore, a decreased magnesium level is not the expected electrolyte imbalance in this condition.
B) Decreased total calcium level: Primary aldosteronism does not primarily affect calcium metabolism. While calcium levels could be influenced indirectly, they are not a primary concern in this disorder. Hence, a decreased total calcium level is not expected.
C) Elevated phosphate level: Phosphate levels are generally not directly influenced by aldosterone. Elevated phosphate levels might be seen in other conditions, but they are not characteristic of primary aldosteronism.
D) Elevated sodium level: Primary aldosteronism leads to excess production of aldosterone, which promotes sodium retention by the kidneys. This retention causes elevated sodium levels, resulting in hypernatremia, and contributes to symptoms like frequent urination due to the body's attempt to excrete excess sodium through increased urine production.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Place the client on his right side if tube resistance occurs: Positioning the client on the right side can help facilitate gastric emptying, but it is not a primary action to ensure NG tube patency. If tube resistance occurs, the nurse should assess and address the resistance more directly.
B) Check the tube patency every 4 hr: Regularly checking the tube patency ensures that the NG tube remains open and functional, preventing blockages and ensuring continuous decompression or feeding as required.
C) Flush the tube with 50 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride irrigation every 8 hr: Flushing the tube helps maintain patency, but the amount and frequency may vary based on facility protocols. Flushing every 8 hours might not be frequent enough to prevent blockages.
D) Maintain the client in a supine position: Keeping the client in a supine position is not recommended for maintaining NG tube patency and may increase the risk of aspiration. A semi-Fowler's position is usually preferred to promote drainage and reduce aspiration risk.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate (HCO3). In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, which supports alkalosis, but the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L. The PaCO2 is slightly low, which is not typical for metabolic alkalosis, as it would usually show an elevated HCO3 with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis.
B) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH and an elevated PaCO2. In this case, the pH is high at 7.6, indicating alkalosis, and the PaCO2 is also low at 30 mm Hg, which is inconsistent with respiratory acidosis.
C) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH with a low PaCO2. Here, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the PaCO2 is decreased at 30 mm Hg, which fits the profile of respiratory alkalosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests that the bicarbonate is not compensating, supporting a primary respiratory alkalosis.
D) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3. In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L, which does not align with metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is also low, which is not typical for metabolic acidosis, as it would usually have a normal or high PaCO2.
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