An older client receiving continuous tube feedings develops restlessness, agitation, and weakness. Which laboratory results are related to this finding, and should be reported to the health care provider immediately?
Glucose: 88 mg/dL
White Blood Cells (WBCs): 4000 (normal: 4,500- 11,000)
K+: 3.4 mEq/L
Na+: 154 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Glucose: 88 mg/dL is a normal blood sugar level and does not indicate any problem with fluid or electrolyte balance¹.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. WBCs: 4000 is slightly below the normal range, but not significantly low. It may indicate a mild infection or inflammation, but not a serious fluid or electrolyte imbalance².
Choice C reason: This statement is false. K+: 3.4 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range, but not dangerously low. It may indicate a mild potassium deficiency, which can cause muscle weakness, but not restlessness or agitation.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. Na+: 154 mEq/L is above the normal range and indicates hypernatremia, or high blood sodium level. This can cause dehydration, confusion, restlessness, agitation, and seizures. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Continuous tube feedings can increase the risk of hypernatremia if the formula is too concentrated or the fluid intake is inadequate⁵.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. A serum potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value indicates hyperkalemia, or high blood potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, not retention.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. A serum sodium level of 142 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value is within the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L and does not indicate any problem with sodium balance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes sodium loss, but it is usually compensated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. A serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L is not a common side effect of furosemide. This value is within the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L and does not indicate any problem with sodium balance. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes sodium loss, but it is usually compensated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is a common side effect of furosemide. This value indicates hypokalemia, or low blood potassium level, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and metabolic alkalosis. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the reabsorption of sodium and potassium in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to potassium loss in the urine.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Drinking more fluids in the late evening can cause nocturia, which is the need to urinate frequently at night. This can disrupt the sleep cycle and increase the risk of falls.
Choice B reason: This statement is true. Dry mouth is a sign of dehydration and indicates the need for more fluid intake. Older adults may have reduced thirst sensation and may not drink enough fluids throughout the day.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it increases urine output and can worsen dehydration. Confusion is a symptom of dehydration and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Feeling full is not a reliable indicator of hydration status. Older adults may have decreased appetite and gastric motility, which can make them feel full even when they are dehydrated.
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