A physician orders a serum creatinine for a hospitalized client. The nurse should explain to the client and his family that this test:
- A. is normal if the level is 4.0 to 5.5 mg/dl.
- B. can be elevated with increased protein intake.
- C. is a better indicator of renal function than the BUN.
- D. reflects the fluid volume status of a person
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A serum creatinine level should be 0.7 to 1.5 mg/dl, and it does not vary with increased protein intake, so it is a better indicator of renal function than the BUN. Choice A is incorrect as a serum creatinine level of 4.0 to 5.5 mg/dl is not normal. Choice B is incorrect as serum creatinine is not affected by increased protein intake. Choice D is incorrect as serum creatinine primarily reflects renal function, not fluid volume status.
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What is pica?
- A. dependency on alcohol
- B. increased iron in the diet
- C. the sickle cell trait
- D. eating ice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pica is a disorder characterized by the ingestion of nonfood substances, which can lead to a clinical iron deficiency. It may be the first sign of an underlying issue. Individuals with pica consume a variety of nonfood items such as ice, clay, dirt, or paste. Choice A, dependency on alcohol, is incorrect as it is not related to pica. Choice B, increased iron in the diet, is incorrect because pica involves ingesting nonfood items rather than having an increased intake of iron. Choice C, the sickle cell trait, is unrelated to pica and is therefore incorrect.
While undergoing hemodialysis, the client becomes restless and tells the nurse he has a headache and feels nauseous. Which of the following complications does the nurse suspect?
- A. Infection.
- B. Disequilibrium syndrome.
- C. Air embolus.
- D. Infection.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the client undergoing hemodialysis is experiencing symptoms like restlessness, a headache, and nausea. These symptoms are indicative of an air embolus, a serious complication that can occur during hemodialysis. Air embolus happens when air enters the bloodstream and can lead to symptoms like restlessness, a headache, and nausea. It is crucial for the nurse to suspect and address this complication promptly to prevent further harm to the client. Choices A and D (Infection) are less likely in this case, as the symptoms presented are more suggestive of an air embolus rather than an infection. Choice B (Disequilibrium syndrome) is also less likely as the symptoms described are not typical of this syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer is C: Air embolus.
The nurse is caring for a 44-year-old client diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism. Which electrolyte imbalance is closely associated with hypoparathyroidism?
- A. Hypocalcemia.
- B. Hyponatremia.
- C. Hyperkalemia.
- D. Hypophosphatemia.
Correct Answer: A.
Rationale: The correct answer is Hypocalcemia. In hypoparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands are not producing sufficient parathyroid hormone, calcium levels become inadequate. This leads to hypocalcemia, characterized by symptoms such as muscle spasms, anxiety, seizures, hypotension, and congestive heart failure. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia are not typically associated with hypoparathyroidism. While hyperphosphatemia can be seen in hypoparathyroidism due to decreasing calcium levels, the question specifically asks about the primary electrolyte imbalance closely related to hypoparathyroidism, which is hypocalcemia.
A client with urinary tract calculi needs to avoid which of the following foods?
- A. lettuce
- B. cheese
- C. apples
- D. broccoli
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client with urinary tract calculi needs to avoid foods high in calcium to prevent the formation of more stones. Cheese is high in calcium, so it should be avoided. Lettuce, apples, and broccoli are not typically associated with high calcium content and are safe options for individuals with urinary tract calculi. Therefore, the correct answer is cheese. Choices A, C, and D are not high in calcium and are safe for consumption by individuals with urinary tract calculi.
In alcoholics with anemia:
- A. Pernicious anemia is more common than folic acid deficiency.
- B. Iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency can coexist.
- C. The alcohol interferes with iron absorption.
- D. Oral vitamin replacement is contraindicated.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In alcoholics with anemia, iron deficiency and folic acid deficiency can coexist due to poor dietary intake and malabsorption issues associated with chronic alcohol consumption. Pernicious anemia, primarily related to vitamin B12 deficiency, is not commonly seen in alcoholics. While alcohol can interfere with iron absorption, it is not the sole factor contributing to anemia in alcoholics. Oral vitamin replacement is not contraindicated in alcoholics with anemia; however, it may be less effective due to absorption issues related to alcohol consumption.