Which electrolyte imbalance should a nurse expect to assess in a client who reports diarrhea for the past three days?
Hypokalemia.
Hypocalcemia.
Hyponatremia.
Hypochloremia.
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
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that is not structurally related to penicillin and has a very low risk of cross-reactivity with penicillin.
Levofloxacin can be safely used in patients with penicillin allergy unless they have a history of hypersensitivity to other fluoroquinolones.
Choice A is wrong because cephalexin (Keflex) is a first-generation cephalosporin that has a similar side chain to some penicillins and may cause cross-reactivity in penicillin-allergic patients. The risk of cross-reactivity is higher for first- and second-generation cephalosporins than for third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins.
Choice B is wrong because cefaclor (Ceclor) is a second-generation cep
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
These are natural respiratory defense mechanisms that help defend against infection.
Choice A is correct because cilia lining the respiratory tract sweep debris upward in mucus to be swallowed.
This prevents pathogens and particles from reaching the lungs.
Choice B is wrong because the respiratory tract does not cool and dry the air being inhaled. In fact, the respiratory tract warms and humidifies the air to facilitate gas exchange.
Choice C is correct because cells in the respiratory tract secrete lysozymes that can destroy certain bacteria.
Lysozymes are enzymes that break down the cell walls of bacteria.
Choice D is correct because macrophages engulf and destroy bacteria found in the alveoli. Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that act as scavengers of foreign invaders.
Choice E is wrong because high concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide do not aid the defense mechanisms.
On the contrary, high levels of these gases can impair gas exchange and cause acid-base imbalance.
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