The nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a group of patients. Which value should be of most concern to the nurse?

Sodium level 140 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L)

Magnesium level 1.0 mEq/L (1.3-2.1 mEq/L)

Calcium level 10 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL)

Potassium level 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Sodium level 140 mEq/L (136-145 mEq/L): This sodium level is within the normal range and is not of concern.

B. Magnesium level 1.0 mEq/L (1.3-2.1 mEq/L): This value is below the normal range, indicating hypomagnesemia, which can cause serious complications such as arrhythmias, neuromuscular irritability, and seizures. This is the most concerning value.

C. Calcium level 10 mg/dL (9-10.5 mg/dL): This calcium level is within the normal range and is not concerning.

D. Potassium level 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L): This potassium level is at the low end of normal. While it is something to monitor, it is not immediately concerning compared to hypomagnesemia.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Increased bowel sounds: Hypokalemia typically causes decreased bowel activity, leading to constipation or paralytic ileus, rather than increased bowel sounds.

B. Reports of fatigue: Fatigue is a hallmark symptom of hypokalemia due to impaired cellular and muscle function.

C. Positive Trousseau's sign: This is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.

D. Reports of numbness in the feet: This is more commonly linked with neuropathy or hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia.

A. Elevated blood pressure B. Negative Chvostek sign C. Constipation D. Tetany

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Elevated blood pressure: Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause low blood pressure due to its effect on vascular tone and cardiac contractility, not elevated blood pressure.

B. Negative Chvostek sign: A negative Chvostek sign would be expected in clients with normal calcium levels. A positive Chvostek sign (twitching of the facial muscles when tapped) is a sign of hypocalcemia.

C. Constipation: Hypocalcemia does not typically cause constipation. In fact, hypercalcemia can lead to constipation.

D. Tetany: Tetany, which involves muscle cramps and spasms, is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. It occurs due to increased neuromuscular excitability when calcium levels are low.

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