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?
Client's serum pH is 7.41
Client has a stage 2 sacral wound
Client requires continuous nasogastric suction
Client has a history of adrenal insufficiency
The Correct Answer is C
A. Client's serum pH is 7.41: This is within the normal range for blood pH (7.35-7.45) and does not specifically indicate a potassium deficit.
B. Client has a stage 2 sacral wound: This is related to skin integrity and does not directly impact potassium levels.
C. Client requires continuous nasogastric suction: Continuous nasogastric suction can lead to the loss of potassium as it removes gastric contents, which may include electrolytes.
D. Client has a history of adrenal insufficiency: While adrenal insufficiency can affect electrolyte balance, continuous nasogastric suction is a more immediate risk for potassium deficit.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Warfarin (Coumadin): This is the correct choice. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. The surgeon needs to be notified to consider holding the medication and to adjust the surgical plan if necessary.
B. Gabapentin (Neurontin): While important for pain management, it does not significantly impact surgical procedures or bleeding risk.
C. Xanax (Alprazolam): This medication is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety, which might be relevant for preoperative anxiety but does not require immediate notification of the surgeon.
D. Atenolol (Tenormin): This beta-blocker is used for hypertension and heart conditions but does not require immediate notification of the surgeon unless there are specific cardiac concerns related to surgery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypercholesterolemia: This condition primarily affects cholesterol levels and is not directly associated with phosphorus imbalances. It does not typically cause hypophosphatemia.
B. Malnutrition: This is the correct choice. Malnutrition can lead to hypophosphatemia (low serum phosphorus levels) due to inadequate dietary intake of phosphorus and impaired absorption.
C. Renal insufficiency: Renal insufficiency generally causes hyperphosphatemia (high serum phosphorus levels) due to the kidneys' reduced ability to excrete phosphate, not hypophosphatemia.
D. Hypoparathyroidism: This condition is more commonly associated with hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) rather than hypophosphatemia. In some cases, hypoparathyroidism can cause elevated phosphorus levels, but not typically hypophosphatemia.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.