The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated on the oncology unit with a diagnosis of lung cancer with bone metastases. The client reports a new onset of weakness with abdominal pain and further assessment suggests that the client likely has a fluid volume deficit. The nurse should recognize that this client may be experiencing which electrolyte imbalance?

Hypomagnesemia

Hyperphosphatemia

Hypokalemia

Hypercalcemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Hypomagnesemia: While hypomagnesemia can cause weakness and other symptoms, it is less commonly associated with fluid volume deficit compared to other imbalances in this context.
B. Hyperphosphatemia: Hyperphosphatemia is typically associated with renal failure or specific conditions, but it does not directly correlate with fluid volume deficit or the symptoms described.
C. Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia can cause weakness and abdominal pain, but it is less likely to be directly associated with the type of symptoms presented in this oncology context.
D. Hypercalcemia: This is the correct choice. Hypercalcemia, often associated with bone metastases, can lead to weakness, abdominal pain, and dehydration, as well as contribute to fluid volume deficit through increased urinary calcium excretion and renal effects.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Ask why the client is taking steroid therapy: While understanding the reason for steroid therapy is important, it does not address the immediate need to manage the medication administration.
B. Notify the surgeon immediately: Notifying the surgeon might be necessary if there are specific concerns, but it is not the most immediate action regarding medication administration.
C. Administer an IV equivalent dose of Prednisone: Since the client is NPO, administering an oral medication could be contraindicated. Administering an IV equivalent ensures the client receives the necessary steroid therapy without risking complications from taking oral medication while fasting.
D. Give the oral steroid with a small sip of water: This may not be appropriate due to the NPO status, which typically restricts oral intake.

A. 5-hour urine output total of 300 mL B. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L C. Current blood pressure of 141/80 mm Hg D. Serum glucose level of 135 mg/dL

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. 5-hour urine output total of 300 mL: This urine output is low, but it may not immediately indicate a serious issue without additional context. However, monitoring for adequate urine output is important.
B. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L: This is the correct choice. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a serious side effect of furosemide, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate intervention.
C. Current blood pressure of 141/80 mm Hg: Although the blood pressure is still elevated, it is not as urgent as correcting hypokalemia. The medication’s effectiveness should be monitored, but it is not an immediate concern.
D. Serum glucose level of 135 mg/dL: This level is slightly elevated but not critically high, and it does not require immediate action related to furosemide use.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is scheduled for surgery at 0800 and has been NPO (nothing by mouth) since midnight. They have been taking long-term oral steroids and are scheduled for their routine dose of Prednisone 30 mg PO to be administered at 0600. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A hospitalized client is receiving IV furosemide (Lasix) to treat stage 2 hypertension. Which assessment finding related to the medication requires prompt collaboration with the health care provider?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse cares for a client with a serum potassium of 5.4 mEq/L. The nurse should anticipate a prescription order for what medication?

A client with peripheral neuropathy states, "I don't know why the doctor put me on an antidepressant. I am not depressed!" Which response by the nurse is best?

A nurse is caring for a client receiving continuous enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube. Which nursing intervention is most important to help prevent aspiration?

A student nurse is working with their preceptor on a medical-surgical unit. While reviewing concepts related to acid-base balance, what should the preceptor state is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic alkalosis?

The nurse is preparing to care for a client with an electrolyte imbalance. After reviewing the electronic health record, what finding should the nurse understand places that client at the greatest risk for developing a potassium deficit?

The nurse is taking a medication history of a client scheduled for surgery the next morning. Which medication requires the nurse to immediately notify the surgeon?

After having an intravenous (IV) line in place for 72 hours, a client complains of tenderness, burning, and swelling. Assessment of the IV site reveals a cord-like vein and a reddened streak. The nurse identifies that these findings indicate what complication?

The illustration reflects a client's upper extremity while the nurse obtains a manual blood pressure. Which electrolyte abnormality is the nurse most likely to see in the client's blood chemistry results?