Which laboratory value will the nurse check immediately when a client with metabolic alkalosis develops a positive Chvostek sign?
Serum sodium
Serum calcium
Serum magnesium
Serum glucose level
The Correct Answer is B
A. Serum sodium: While sodium levels can be affected in metabolic alkalosis, a positive Chvostek sign is more indicative of a calcium issue rather than a sodium imbalance.
B. Serum calcium: A positive Chvostek sign, which is a twitching of the facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped, is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can occur in metabolic alkalosis due to shifts in calcium, and the nurse should check the serum calcium level immediately.
C. Serum magnesium: Magnesium levels can also affect neuromuscular function, but hypocalcemia is more directly related to a positive Chvostek sign. Although magnesium should be monitored, calcium is the priority in this situation.
D. Serum glucose level: Serum glucose levels are not related to the development of metabolic alkalosis or a positive Chvostek sign. Therefore, glucose is not the most immediate concern in this context.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. High: The relationship between calcium and phosphate is inverse, meaning when calcium levels rise, phosphate levels tend to decrease, and vice versa. Therefore, the phosphate level would not be expected to be high if the calcium level is within the normal range.
B. The same as the calcium level: While calcium and phosphate levels are related, they do not typically mirror each other directly. They have an inverse relationship, not a one-to-one correlation.
C. Low: Since calcium and phosphate have an inverse relationship, a normal calcium level generally indicates that phosphate levels are also normal, not necessarily low.
D. Normal: With a calcium level of 9.5 mg/dL, which is within the normal range, it is expected that the phosphate level would also be within the normal range, as long as there are no other underlying conditions affecting these levels.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 5.8 mEq/L: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is still elevated, indicating that the sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) has not been fully effective in lowering the potassium to a normal range.
B. 5.5 mEq/L: While this level is slightly lower than 5.8 mEq/L, it still remains elevated above the normal range. It indicates some reduction in potassium, but it is not yet within the desired range.
C. 6.2 mEq/L: A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is critically high and reflects a lack of effectiveness of the Kayexalate treatment. This level is very high suggesting that the medication has not worked.
D. 4.9 mEq/L: A potassium level of 4.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). This indicates that the sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) has been effective in lowering the potassium to a safe and normal level.
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