The nurse is reviewing recent serum lab results for a postoperative male client who underwent a thyroidectomy two days ago. The client is complaining of new onset abdominal cramping and diarrhea and has developed an irregular heart rate. Which emergency medication should the nurse expect to administer to this client?
Furosemide (Lasix)
Diazepam (Valium)
Calcium gluconate
Calcitonin
The Correct Answer is C
A. Furosemide (Lasix): This is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention and does not address the symptoms related to calcium imbalances.
B. Diazepam (Valium): This is an anxiolytic and does not address the symptoms associated with hypocalcemia following a thyroidectomy.
C. Calcium gluconate: This is the appropriate medication for treating hypocalcemia, which can occur after a thyroidectomy due to potential damage to or removal of parathyroid glands, leading to symptoms such as abdominal cramping and irregular heart rate.
D. Calcitonin: While this hormone helps regulate calcium levels, it is more commonly used to treat hypercalcemia, not hypocalcemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Kidney conservation of bicarbonate and excretion of hydrogen ions: This option is not correct for metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the kidneys would typically excrete bicarbonate rather than conserve it.
B. Deep, rapid respirations to increase CO2 excretion: This is incorrect because deep, rapid respirations are more associated with compensating for metabolic acidosis by increasing CO2 excretion. In metabolic alkalosis, the body attempts to retain CO2.
C. Respiratory hypoventilation to retain CO2 and kidney excretion of bicarbonate: This is the correct choice. In metabolic alkalosis, the body compensates by reducing respiration rate (hypoventilation) to retain CO2, which helps to counteract the elevated pH. Additionally, the kidneys may excrete bicarbonate to balance the pH.
D. Shifting of bicarbonate into cells in exchange for chloride: This mechanism is more related to respiratory alkalosis rather than metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic alkalosis, the primary compensatory mechanisms involve changes in respiratory rate and renal bicarbonate excretion.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Serum glucose of 118 mg/dL: This value is slightly above the normal range but not critically elevated; it does not typically require immediate notification to the surgeon.
B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 16 mg/dL: This BUN level is within the normal range and does not suggest an immediate concern for surgical risk.
C. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L: A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to serious complications including neurological symptoms and should be addressed prior to surgery.
D. Serum potassium of 3.9 mEq/L: This level is within the normal range and does not require immediate action related to surgery.
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