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 ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

These choices validate the client with acute pain because they are signs of a sympathetic nervous system response to pain. Acute pain is a sudden and usually sharp sensation that indicates tissue damage or injury.

Choice B is wrong because dilated pupils are not a sign of acute pain. Pupils may dilate in response to fear, excitement, or drugs.

Choice C is wrong because constricted pupils are not a sign of acute pain. Pupils may constrict in response to bright light, drugs, or brain damage.

Choice F is wrong because decreased respirations are not a sign of acute pain. Respirations may decrease in response to relaxation, drugs, or respiratory depression.

A. grimaces during a dressing change. B. has an elevated heart rate while exercising. C. is crying during a procedure. D. says, “I feel achy all over.”.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client who grimaces during a dressing change is showing a nonverbal sign of pain. Grimacing is an expression of facial muscles that indicates discomfort or distress.

The nurse should record this as a symptom of pain and ask the client to rate the pain using a numeric or visual scale.

Choice B is wrong because an elevated heart rate while exercising is not necessarily a symptom of pain. It could be a normal response to increased physical activity or a sign of other conditions such as anxiety, dehydration, or fever.

Choice C is wrong because crying during a procedure is not a reliable indicator of pain. Crying is an emotional response that can be influenced by many factors such as fear, stress, or sadness.

The nurse should not assume that the client is in pain based on crying alone and should ask the client about the reason for crying and the level of pain.

Choice D is wrong because saying “I feel achy all over” is not a specific description of pain.

Aching is a vague term that can refer to different sensations such as soreness, stiffness, or cramping.

The nurse should ask the client to clarify what kind of pain they are feeling, where it is located, how severe it is, and what makes it better or worse.

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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

The nurse is assessing a client experiencing acute pain. What assessments should validate the client with acute pain? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Which assessment finding should a nurse record as a symptom of pain? A client who:.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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