Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse expect to assess in a client who reports diarrhea for the past three days?

Hypokalemia.

Hypocalcemia.

Hyponatremia.

Hypochloremia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

This is because diarrhea can cause a loss of potassium along with water and other electrolytes. Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate the heartbeat, nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Low levels of potassium can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat and constipation.

Choice B. Hypocalcemia is wrong because diarrhea does not usually cause a loss of

calcium. Calcium is another mineral that helps with muscle and nerve function, blood clotting and bone health. Low levels of calcium can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, seizures and confusion.

Choice C. Hyponatremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of sodium, but not to the extent that it causes hyponatremia. Sodium is the most abundant electrolyte in the body and it helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure and nerve and muscle function. Low levels of sodium can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, seizures and coma.

Choice D. Hypochloremia is wrong because diarrhea can cause a loss of chloride, but not to the extent that it causes hypochloremia. Chloride is another electrolyte that helps maintain fluid balance, blood pressure and acid-base balance. Low levels of chloride can cause symptoms such as weakness, dehydration, alkalosis (high blood pH) and muscle twitching.

The normal ranges for electrolytes in the blood are:

Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mEq/L
Calcium: 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL
Sodium: 135 to 145 mEq/L
Chloride: 96 to 106

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

. Document the findings and continue to monitor the wound. This is because a 2-day-old wound that has a crust along the edges, is red and appears slightly swollen is likely in the inflammatory phase of wound healing. This phase is characterized by hemostasis, chemotaxis, and increased vascular permeability, which can

cause redness and swelling. The crust along the edges is formed by the clotting of blood and platelets.

These are normal signs of wound healing and do not indicate infection or complications.

Choice A is wrong because applying warm soaks to reduce inflammation can interfere with the natural process of wound healing and increase the risk of infection.

Choice B is wrong because notifying the health care provider immediately of the infection is not necessary unless there are other signs of infection such as fever, pus, foul odor, or increased pain.

Choice C is wrong because placing the client on contact (wound) precautions is not required for a 2-day-old wound that is not infected or draining. Wound precautions are only indicated for wounds that are colonized or infected by multidrug-resistant organisms.

A. Sodium is 144. B. Potassium is 3.0. C. Chloride is 99. D. Calcium is 5.0.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Potassium is 3.0.

This is because furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as a side effect. Hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness, cramps, cardiac arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity. The normal range for potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Choice A is wrong because sodium is 144 is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L.

Choice C is wrong because chloride is 99 is within the normal range of 98 to 106 mEq/L.

Choice D is wrong because calcium is 5.0 is within the normal range of 4.5 to 5.5 mg/dL.

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Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse expect to assess in a client who reports diarrhea for the past three days?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which action should the nurse take after assessing a 2-day-old wound that has a crust along the edges, is red and appears slightly swollen?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client is started on furosemide 80 mg every morning. Which lab result needs to be reported to the health care provider?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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