A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The glucose is 72 mg/dL, chloride is 100 mEq/L, sodium is 138 mEq/L, and potassium is 3.0 mEq/L. What action should the nurse plan to take?
Administer glucagon IM.
Discontinue the TPN infusion.
Request a potassium replacement.
Check the patient for a positive Chvostek’s sign.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C.
Step 1 is to interpret the laboratory values. The glucose level is within the normal range (7099 mg/dL). The chloride level is within the normal range (97-107 mEq/L). The sodium level is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L). However, the potassium level is low (normal range is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L)89101112.
Step 2 is to plan the action based on the interpretation. Given the low potassium level, the nurse should plan to request a potassium replacement
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An increased blood osmolarity, such as 260 mOsm/kg, can be a sign of dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the concentration of solutes in the blood can increase, leading to higher osmolarity.
Choice B rationale
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is not typically a sign of dehydration. In fact, dehydration can often cause blood pressure to increase due to the body’s efforts to compensate for the lack of fluid.
Choice C rationale
A high urine specific gravity, such as 1.035, can indicate dehydration. This measurement reflects the concentration of solutes in the urine, and a high value can mean that the body is conserving water due to dehydration.
Choice D rationale
An elevated blood sodium level, such as 150 mEq/L, can be a sign of dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, the concentration of sodium in the blood can increase.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Performing hand hygiene frequently and consistently is the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during patient care. Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to reduce the transmission of harmful germs and prevent health care-associated infections.
Choice B rationale
Properly disposing of contaminated equipment is important in preventing the spread of pathogens, but it is not the most effective measure. While it is crucial to handle and dispose of contaminated equipment properly, hand hygiene is the most effective measure in preventing the spread of pathogens.
Choice C rationale
Discarding used syringes in appropriate containers is a standard safety measure in healthcare settings, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during patient care. While it is important for preventing needlestick injuries and the spread of bloodborne pathogens, hand hygiene is the most effective measure in preventing the spread of pathogens.
Choice D rationale
Changing soiled linens daily for patients with draining wounds is a part of standard wound care and infection control, but it is not the most effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens during patient care. Hand hygiene remains the most effective measure in preventing the spread of pathogens.
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