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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is because restraints should only be used as a last resort when other alternatives have failed to ensure the patient’s safety and when there is a valid order from the primary healthcare provider.

Assessing the need for restraints placement involves evaluating the patient’s condition, behavior, risk factors, and potential benefits and harms of using restraints.

Choice A is wrong because visual inspection of skin for placement is done after applying restraints, not before.

This is to check for any signs of injury, irritation, or circulation impairment caused by the restraints.

Choice B is wrong because positioning for proper body alignment is done during and after applying restraints, not before.

This is to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, contractures, or nerve damage due to improper positioning.

Choice D is wrong because reviewing facility policy before usage is not a nursing intervention, but a legal and ethical requirement.

Nurses should be familiar with the facility policy and guidelines regarding the use of restraints and follow them accordingly.

However, this does not replace the need for individualized assessment and evaluation of each patient’s situation.

A. “Only the client’s health care provider is authorized to release that information.”. B. “I can confirm that the client is on the unit but no diagnosis has been made.”. C. “I don’t know because tests are still being run on the client.”. D. “You need to speak to the designated hospital contact.”.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

You need to speak to the designated hospital contact. This is because the nurse has a duty to protect the client’s privacy and confidentiality, and cannot disclose any information about the client’s diagnosis or condition to the reporter without the client’s consent.

The nurse should refer the reporter to the hospital’s public relations department or spokesperson, who is authorized to handle such inquiries.

Choice A is wrong because it implies that the client’s healthcare provider can release the information without the client’s consent, which is not true.

Choice B is wrong because it confirms that the client is on the unit, which is a violation of the client’s privacy.

Choice C is wrong because it gives false information about the client’s status, which is unethical and unprofessional.

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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 nursing intervention should be performed before applying client restraints?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A television reporter calls the nursing unit requesting an update on the status of an elected official from the community who was admitted to the unit. Which statement is the most appropriate response by the nurse when the reporter requests the official diagnosis?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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