The nurse is reviewing lab values for a patient taking furosemide. Which of these lab values would concern the nurse?
Calcium 9.4 mg/dL
Sodium 140 mEq/L
Potassium 2.5 mEq/L
Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is C
A. Calcium 9.4 mg/dL: This is within the normal range for calcium (8.5-10.2 mg/dL), so it is not a concern.
B. Sodium 140 mEq/L: This value is within the normal range for sodium (135-145 mEq/L), so it is not a concern.
C. Potassium 2.5 mEq/L: This is below the normal range for potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and indicates hypokalemia, which is a common side effect of furosemide, a diuretic. Hypokalemia can cause serious cardiac issues and requires prompt attention.
D. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L: This is within the normal range for magnesium (1.5-2.5 mEq/L), so it is not a concern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Reduce dietary purines.: This is more relevant for patients with gout, not osteoarthritis. Purine reduction helps control uric acid levels.
B. Begin a jogging program.: High-impact exercises like jogging can exacerbate knee pain and accelerate joint degeneration in osteoarthritis.
C. Maintain ideal body weight.: Maintaining an ideal body weight reduces stress on the knees and helps preserve joint function and delay the progression of osteoarthritis.
D. Maintain normal uric acid levels.: Uric acid levels are related to gout, not osteoarthritis. Maintaining normal levels does not directly affect osteoarthritis.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. "It is caused by a tumor of the adrenal gland.": This statement is incorrect as a tumor of the adrenal gland (like a pheochromocytoma) would cause secondary hypertension, not primary hypertension, which has no identifiable cause.
B. "The cause can be identified with magnetic resonance imaging.": Primary hypertension does not have a specific identifiable cause, and imaging like MRI cannot pinpoint a cause for it. This statement indicates a misunderstanding.
C. "The cause is unknown.": This statement is correct for primary hypertension, as it is characterized by having no identifiable underlying cause.
D. "There are no tests to identify the cause.": This is correct for primary hypertension since it has no specific identifiable cause. The diagnosis is based on excluding other potential causes of secondary hypertension.
E. "An arteriogram will show why hypertension is occurring.": An arteriogram might identify blockages or other issues in the arteries, but it will not show the cause of primary hypertension. This indicates a need for further teaching.
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