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 reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a pressure ulcer. The nurse should identify an elevation in which of the following laboratory values as an indication that the client has developed an infection?
- A. Serum albumin level
- B. WBC count
- C. Serum potassium level
- D. BUN
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: WBC count. An elevation in WBC count indicates an immune response to infection, as white blood cells increase to fight off pathogens. In the context of a pressure ulcer, an elevated WBC count suggests the presence of infection due to the body's response to foreign organisms. Other choices are not directly related to infection in this scenario. Serum albumin level (A) reflects nutritional status, serum potassium level (C) indicates electrolyte balance, and BUN (D) reflects kidney function. Hence, they are not specific indicators of infection in a client with a pressure ulcer.
A nurse in a clinic is teaching information about cervical polyps with a client who has a new diagnosis. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Postcoital bleeding may occur.
- B. A pelvic ultrasound is required for diagnosis.
- C. Cervical polyps usually resolve without treatment.
- D. Cervical polyps are rarely associated with cancer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Postcoital bleeding may occur. This information is essential to include in teaching about cervical polyps because it is a common symptom associated with this condition. Cervical polyps are benign growths on the cervix that can cause bleeding, especially after intercourse. It is crucial for the client to be aware of this symptom to monitor for any abnormal bleeding and seek medical attention if necessary.
Option B is incorrect because a pelvic ultrasound is not always required for diagnosing cervical polyps; they can often be diagnosed through a pelvic exam. Option C is incorrect because not all cervical polyps resolve on their own and may require treatment if symptomatic. Option D is incorrect because while cervical polyps are usually benign, they can be associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in some cases.
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 nurse is caring for a middle adult client who has just received the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. In taking a nursing history, which of the following manifestations is likely to be reported by this client?
- A. Postmenopausal bleeding
- B. Weight loss
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Abnormal hair growth
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Postmenopausal bleeding. Endometrial cancer commonly presents with postmenopausal bleeding as a key manifestation due to abnormal growth of the endometrial tissue. This occurs because the cancerous cells disrupt the normal shedding process of the endometrium, leading to bleeding after menopause. Weight loss (B) is often associated with advanced stages of cancer, but it is not a specific early manifestation of endometrial cancer. Increased appetite (C) and abnormal hair growth (D) are not typically associated with endometrial cancer.
A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings shouldn't the nurse expect?
- A. Increased heart rate
- B. Increased blood pressure
- C. Increased respiratory rate
- D. Increased hematocrit
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Increased hematocrit. In fluid overload, there is an excess of fluid in the body, leading to dilution of blood components including hematocrit. Therefore, an increased hematocrit would not be expected. Increased heart rate (A), blood pressure (B), and respiratory rate (C) are all common findings in fluid overload due to the body's compensatory mechanisms to maintain adequate perfusion. Thus, these findings are expected.