A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who reports vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days.
Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?
Hypermagnesemia.
Hyponatremia.
Hypocalcemia.
D. Hyperkalemia.
The Correct Answer is B
This means low sodium levels in the blood.
Sodium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance and nerve and muscle function.
Vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and loss of sodium through fluids.
Normal sodium levels are between 135 to 145 millimole/Liter.
Choice A is wrong because hypermagnesemia means high magnesium levels in the blood.
Magnesium is another electrolyte that helps with nerve and muscle function, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar regulation.
Hypermagnesemia is rare and usually caused by kidney failure or excessive use of magnesium supplements or laxatives.
Normal magnesium levels are between 1.46 to 2.68 milligram/deciliter.
Choice C is wrong because hypocalcemia means low calcium levels in the blood.
Calcium is an electrolyte that helps with bone health, muscle contraction, blood clotting and nerve signaling.
Hypocalcemia can be caused by vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease, thyroid problems or certain medications.
Normal calcium levels are between 8.8 to 10.7 milligram/deciliter.
Choice D is wrong because hyperkalemia means high potassium levels in the blood.
Potassium is an electrolyte that helps with nerve and muscle function, especially the heart.
Hyperkalemia can be caused by kidney disease, diabetes, adrenal gland disorders or certain medications.
Normal potassium levels are between 3.6 to 5.5 millimole/Liter.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
It's common practice to check blood pressure in both arms when there is a significant discrepancy in blood pressure readings between the arms. This discrepancy could be due to factors like arterial blockages or other conditions. By measuring the blood pressure in the other arm, the nurse can confirm whether the high blood pressure is consistent on both sides or if there was an issue with the initial measurement. This step helps provide a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure.
- The other options are not appropriate at this stage:
Deflating the cuff faster may not resolve the issue and could lead to inaccurate measurements.
Requesting a prescription for an antihypertensive medication should only be done after confirming the blood pressure is consistently elevated and under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Using a narrower cuff is not indicated in this situation. It's more important to assess the other arm's blood pressure to identify any discrepancies.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Use a filter needle to aspirate the medication.
This is because a filter needle can prevent glass particles from being drawn into the syringe when aspirating medication from an ampule.
Glass particles can cause harm to the patient if injected.
Choice A is wrong because cleansing the tip of the ampule with an alcohol swab after opening is not necessary and may contaminate the medication.
Choice B is wrong because adding 0.5 mL of diluent to the medication may alter the concentration and dosage of the medication.
Choice D is wrong because injecting air into the ampule prior to drawing the medication into a syringe is not required and may create pressure that can cause the ampule to break.
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