Nokea
A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
- A. Decreased potassium level
- B. Increased sodium level
- C. Increased calcium level
- D. Decreased magnesium level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased potassium level. Postoperative ileus can lead to gastrointestinal fluid losses, causing a decrease in potassium levels due to excessive drainage through the NG tube. Potassium is an important electrolyte for maintaining normal muscle function, including the heart. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.
Incorrect choices:
B: Increased sodium level - Unlikely in this scenario as excessive drainage would lead to fluid and electrolyte loss.
C: Increased calcium level - Unrelated to postoperative ileus and NG tube drainage.
D: Decreased magnesium level - Possible but not as critical as monitoring potassium levels in this situation.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse is caring for a client receiving TPN. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Monitor serum sodium levels daily.
- B. Check the client's capillary blood glucose level every 4 hr.
- C. Administer the solution at room temperature.
- D. Discontinue abruptly if the client reports nausea.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Check the client's capillary blood glucose level every 4 hr. This is crucial because TPN can cause hyperglycemia due to its high glucose content. Monitoring blood glucose levels helps in detecting and managing hyperglycemia.
Incorrect answers:
A: Monitoring serum sodium levels is not directly related to TPN administration.
C: Administering the solution at room temperature is not necessary for TPN administration.
D: Discontinuing TPN abruptly can lead to serious complications; it should be gradually tapered off.
Overall, monitoring blood glucose levels is essential in TPN therapy to prevent complications related to hyperglycemia.
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has asthma and new prescriptions for cromolyn and albuterol, both by nebulizer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will be sure to take the albuterol before taking the cromolyn.
- B. I will take both medications at the same time.
- C. I will take the cromolyn before taking albuterol.
- D. I will take the medications in any order.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will be sure to take the albuterol before taking the cromolyn." This is because albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps to open up the airways quickly, providing immediate relief during an asthma attack. Cromolyn, on the other hand, is a mast cell stabilizer that helps to prevent asthma attacks but does not provide immediate relief. Taking albuterol first allows for quick relief, followed by cromolyn for long-term prevention.
Choice B is incorrect as taking both medications at the same time may not allow for the full effectiveness of each drug. Choice C is incorrect as cromolyn should be taken before albuterol to allow time for it to take effect. Choice D is incorrect as there is a specific order in which these medications should be taken for optimal results.
A client reports skin dryness, redness, and scaling after radiation. What should the nurse advise?
- A. Apply hydrating lotions.
- B. Scrub the area vigorously.
- C. Cover the area with adhesive bandages.
- D. Avoid moisturizing the skin.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply hydrating lotions. After radiation, skin can become dry and irritated. Hydrating lotions help to moisturize the skin and reduce dryness, redness, and scaling. They provide a protective barrier and promote skin healing. Advising the client to apply hydrating lotions is essential in maintaining skin integrity post-radiation.
Choice B: Scrubbing the area vigorously can further damage the skin and exacerbate irritation.
Choice C: Covering the area with adhesive bandages can trap moisture and lead to skin maceration.
Choice D: Avoiding moisturizing the skin can worsen dryness and discomfort.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has hypertension and a new prescription for hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?
- A. Take the medication early in the day.
- B. Take the medication at bedtime.
- C. Take the medication with food.
- D. Take the medication only when blood pressure is high.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication early in the day. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that increases urine production, which can cause frequent urination. Taking it early helps prevent nighttime urination, promoting better sleep. Taking it with food may reduce gastrointestinal upset. Taking it only when blood pressure is high is incorrect, as it should be taken regularly to maintain consistent blood pressure control. Bedtime dosing may lead to nocturnal diuresis and disturb sleep. The other choices are irrelevant or incorrect in the context of hydrochlorothiazide administration.
A nurse in a provider's office is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who takes furosemide for hypertension. The nurse notes that the client's potassium level is 3.3 mEq/L. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following complications?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
- D. Pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiac dysrhythmias. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia, which is a potassium deficiency. A potassium level of 3.3 mEq/L is below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can increase the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias due to the role potassium plays in maintaining the heart's electrical activity. Hypertension (A) is not directly related to low potassium levels. Hyperkalemia (B) is the opposite of what the client is experiencing. Pulmonary edema (D) is not typically associated with low potassium levels.