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 C

Explanation

A. Skeletal muscle weakness: This is more commonly seen with hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia typically causes neuromuscular irritability, which manifests as muscle spasms rather than weakness.

B. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes: This is more commonly seen with hypercalcemia. Hypocalcemia typically increases neuromuscular irritability and can cause hyperactive reflexes.

C. Tingling of the lips: This is a classic sign of hypocalcemia, as low calcium levels can lead to neuromuscular excitability, which can cause sensations like tingling (paresthesia) around the lips and fingers.

D. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypocalcemia typically increases bowel motility, which can lead to hyperactive bowel sounds, not hypoactive bowel sounds.

A. Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula. B. Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void. C. Place the patient in a high Fowler position. D. Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Provide oxygen at 2 L per nasal cannula: Although oxygen might be helpful later, the patient currently has a good oxygen saturation (95%). The priority is to ease breathing and reduce fluid accumulation in the lungs.

B. Provide a urinal and encourage the patient to void: While voiding might help reduce fluid volume, repositioning the patient to improve breathing is more urgent.

C. Place the patient in a high Fowler position: This position maximizes lung expansion, improves oxygenation, and helps alleviate dyspnea caused by fluid overload.

D. Lay the patient flat in bed to listen to bowel sounds: Placing the patient flat can worsen pulmonary symptoms by allowing fluid to shift toward the lungs.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

While assessing an older adult patient with fluid excess, the nurse notes the following: T = 98.6°F, P = 92, R = 18, BP = 166/88 mm Hg, bilateral crackles, oxygen saturation = 95%. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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