ATI Capstone Exam 1 Related

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A nurse is caring for four clients who have drainage tubes. Which of the following clients is at risk for hypokalemia?

  • A. The client who has a tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen.
  • B. The client who has an indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage.
  • C. The client who has a chest tube to water seal.
  • D. The client who has a nasogastric tube to suction.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The client with a nasogastric tube to suction is at risk for hypokalemia because suctioning can lead to loss of gastric contents, which contain potassium. This can result in decreased potassium levels in the body, leading to hypokalemia.

A: The client with a tracheostomy tube attached to humidified oxygen is not at risk for hypokalemia as oxygen therapy does not directly impact potassium levels.

B: The client with an indwelling urinary catheter to gravity drainage is not at risk for hypokalemia as urinary drainage does not affect potassium levels significantly.

C: The client with a chest tube to water seal is not at risk for hypokalemia as chest tube drainage does not lead to potassium loss.

In summary, choice D is correct because suctioning via a nasogastric tube can cause potassium loss, while choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly impact potassium levels.