When caring for a client with an acid-base imbalance, which serum electrolytes are essential for a nurse to monitor? (Select 2 that apply)

Magnesium

Sodium

Potassium

Calcium

Phosphate

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,C

Rationale:
A. Magnesium plays a role in acid-base balance and influences potassium levels.
B. Sodium is important but less directly related to acid-base balance than potassium and magnesium.
C. Potassium is critical to monitor because acid-base imbalances often cause shifts in potassium levels, affecting cardiac function.
D. Calcium levels can be affected but are less immediately critical than potassium and magnesium.
E. Phosphate is involved in metabolism but is not a primary electrolyte monitored for acid-base balance.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. 167 mEq/L: This indicates hypernatremia, which is typically associated with fluid volume deficit due to water loss, not fluid overload.

B. 142 mEq/L: This is a normal sodium level and does not indicate fluid imbalance on its own.

C. 136 mEq/L: Also within the normal reference range (135–145 mEq/L) and does not signal fluid excess.

D. 116 mEq/L: This level represents severe hyponatremia, commonly seen in fluid volume excess. In conditions like heart failure or renal failure, water retention can dilute serum sodium. The patient’s symptoms (dyspnea, crackles, and edema) are consistent with fluid overload and dilutional hyponatremia.

A. normal ABG B. respiratory acidosis C. metabolic alkalosis D. metabolic acidosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. The pH is at the lower limit of normal but combined with low bicarbonate indicates imbalance, so not normal.
B. Respiratory acidosis would show increased PaCO₂, but here PaCO₂ is low.
C. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by elevated bicarbonate, which is not present.
D. Metabolic acidosis is indicated by low HCO₃ (18) and compensatory respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO₂ of 30) to maintain near-normal pH. This fits the ABG results.

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When caring for a client with an acid-base imbalance, which serum electrolytes are essential for a nurse to monitor? (Select 2 that apply)

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Explanation

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Explanation

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