Use the scenario to guide your answer

Exhibits

What is the primary reason for electrolyte loss in a patient with an NG tube to suction?

Increased urine output

Loss of gastric secretions

Decreased oral intake

Fever

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Rationale:

A. Increased urine output: Mr. Allen's urine output is actually low (600 mL/24 hrs), and his urine is dark and concentrated, suggesting dehydration, not excessive urinary losses.

B. Loss of gastric secretions: Continuous suction via the nasogastric (NG) tube removes gastric fluids, which are rich in potassium, chloride, hydrogen ions, and magnesium. This is the main reason for his observed hypokalemia (K = 2.9), hypochloremia (Cl = 94), and low magnesium (Mg = 1.2).

C. Decreased oral intake: While Mr. Allen is NPO, reduced intake alone is not sufficient to cause such significant electrolyte imbalances in a short period. The active loss of electrolytes through NG suction is the primary contributor.

D. Fever is not mentioned in the scenario. Fever can lead to insensible fluid losses, but this is not relevant here and not the primary mechanism of electrolyte depletion.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is used to detect inflammation but is not relevant in the immediate management of hyperkalemia.
B. Administering potassium would worsen the client's already elevated potassium level.
C. Restricting fluids is not an appropriate initial response for hyperkalemia and can increase the risk of complications.
D. A potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L is critically high and can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. A 12-lead ECG is essential to assess for cardiac effects of hyperkalemia, such as peaked T waves or widened QRS complexes.

A. carbon dioxide ions are retained B. they become acidic C. they become alkaline D. oxygen ions are released into the blood

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Retention of carbon dioxide can lead to acidosis, but it is not a direct result of increased hydrogen ions.
B. An increased concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) lowers the pH of body fluids, making them acidic.
C. Fluids become alkaline when hydrogen ion concentration is low, not high.
D. Oxygen ions are not released as a response to hydrogen ion concentration changes.

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Use the scenario to guide your answer Exhibits What is the primary reason for electrolyte loss in a patient with an NG tube to suction?

Rationale:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values for a client who takes spironolactone and notes that the client's serum potassium level is 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse notifies the provider and anticipates that the provider will provide which of the following instructions?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is aware that which of the following results when an increased concentration of hydrogen ions occurs within the body fluids?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for multiple clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client should the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for respiratory alkalosis?

The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism, that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:

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Use the scenario to guide your answer

Exhibits

What is the primary reason for electrolyte loss in a patient with an NG tube to suction?