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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Renal: In respiratory acidosis, the kidneys compensate by retaining bicarbonate (HCO3-) and excreting hydrogen ions (H+), which helps to restore normal pH levels. This compensation process can take hours to days, as the renal system gradually works to balance the acid-base disturbance.
B. Endocrine: The endocrine system plays a role in regulating various body functions, but it is not responsible for compensating respiratory acidosis. While hormones like aldosterone affect fluid and electrolyte balance, they do not compensate for acid-base imbalances.
C. Respiratory: The respiratory system itself is the cause of respiratory acidosis due to inadequate ventilation and CO2 retention. The body cannot rely on the same system (respiratory) for compensation; compensation comes from the renal system instead.
D. Gastrointestinal: The gastrointestinal system does not directly compensate for respiratory acidosis. While it is involved in digestion and nutrient absorption, it does not play a significant role in regulating blood pH during acid-base imbalances.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. They become acidic: Acidity is defined by a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), so a decreased concentration of hydrogen ions would not lead to acidity. Acidic fluids have a higher H+ concentration, not a lower one.
B. They become alkaline: A decreased concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) leads to an increase in pH, making the fluids more alkaline. Alkaline conditions are characterized by a lower H+ concentration, resulting in a higher pH level.
C. Carbon ions are retained: Carbon ions do not directly relate to the concentration of hydrogen ions in body fluids. The primary ions involved in acid-base balance are hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions, not carbon ions.
D. Oxygen ions are released into the blood: Oxygen ions do not have a direct relationship with the concentration of hydrogen ions in the body. The release of oxygen into the blood is related to respiratory function and hemoglobin, not hydrogen ion concentration.
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