An elderly patient has been having copious vomiting for several days and has become lethargic and weak. His mucous membranes are dry.

He has poor skin turgor.

Lab work shows: sodium of 145, ABGs: pH 7.58, PCO2 38, HCO3 38, PO2 95, SO2 98. Which response best explains the patient’s lethargy and weakness?

The hypokalemia brought on severe muscle spasms, causing exhaustion.

Due to his low potassium, his cells rely on glycolysis.

Due to the hypokalemia, his cells are hyperpolarized.

The hypernatremia caused cellular dehydration, leading to lethargy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cramps, but it does not typically lead to severe muscle spasms causing exhaustion. The patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely related to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration rather than muscle spasms.
Choice B rationale
While low potassium levels can affect cellular metabolism, the primary issue here is not glycolysis. The patient’s symptoms are more consistent with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than a metabolic shift to glycolysis.
Choice C rationale
Hypokalemia can cause cells to become hyperpolarized, leading to muscle weakness and decreased reflexes. However, the patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than cellular hyperpolarization.
Choice D rationale
Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels, can cause cellular dehydration, leading to symptoms such as lethargy and weakness. The patient’s lab results and clinical presentation are consistent with hypernatremia-induced cellular dehydration, which explains his symptoms.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Cerebral edema is the swelling of the brain due to fluid accumulation, which can occur after excessive alcohol consumption. However, it is not related to myxedema, which is a condition associated with severe hypothyroidism.
Choice B rationale
The deposit of fatty tissue is associated with conditions like hyperaldosteronism, where there is an excess production of aldosterone. This condition does not cause the characteristic skin changes seen in myxedema.
Choice C rationale
Proliferation of tissue behind the eyes, known as exophthalmos, is common in hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves’ disease. Myxedema, on the other hand, is related to severe hypothyroidism and involves different pathophysiological mechanisms.
Choice D rationale
Myxedema is characterized by the accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues, leading to swelling and thickening of the skin. This condition is a result of severe hypothyroidism and can lead to a myxedema crisis if left untreated.

A. Bacterial infection. B. Viral infection. C. Fungal infection. D. Parasitic infection.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Bacterial infection often leads to an elevated white blood cell count (15,000/mm³) and fever (38.5°C). The body’s immune response to bacterial pathogens results in these clinical manifestations.
Choice B rationale
Viral infections can cause fever, but they typically do not lead to a significant increase in white blood cell count.
Choice C rationale
Fungal infections can cause fever and elevated white blood cell count, but they are less common and usually occur in immunocompromised individuals.
Choice D rationale
Parasitic infections can cause fever and elevated white blood cell count, but they are less common and usually present with other specific symptoms.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient has been told that the recent changes in her facial features are due to a hormonal pathology called myxedema. Her nurse’s explanation will be based on understanding that myxedema is:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client with a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) and a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm³. Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After receiving a vaccination for a communicable disease, the patient was asked to return in 2 to 3 weeks to get an antibody titer and asks why blood testing can’t be done immediately.How should the RN (registered nurse) respond?

A goiter is often associated with:

A nurse is caring for a client with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) and a heart rate of 120 beats per minute. Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?

Which condition is most likely related to diabetic-induced complications?

A nurse has identified a fluid volume deficit in the patient who has suffered prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. Which assessment data is most important in identifying that the patient may be developing prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI)?

A man, diagnosed with alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis, presents to his healthcare provider for treatment. He is complaining of increased blood glucose, blurred vision, and cannot remember his birth date or age. The nurse notes that he has asterixis. These signs are most likely due to:

Which assessment data would indicate to the nurse that pharmacologic treatment with antibiotics and antacids has been effective for the patient diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) secondary to H. pylori?

A nurse is caring for a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who presents with hyperkalemia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?