Nokea
An adult has experienced significant vomiting and diarrhea for the past 24 hours. Her chloride level is 90 mEq/L. What would the nurse expect to find when interpreting her sodium level?
- A. It would be high.
- B. It is impossible to predict the sodium level with this information.
- C. It would be low.
- D. It would be normal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vomiting and diarrhea cause sodium loss, likely resulting in a low sodium level, consistent with a low chloride level.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient several days after an above-knee amputation (AKA).
Which of the following symptoms would be characteristic of an infected stump wound?
- A. The patient is anxious and restless.
- B. There is a small amount of dark drainage on the dressing.
- C. The patient complains of persistent pain at the operative site.
- D. The skin is cool above the operative site.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Strategy: Determine how each answer choice relates to an infected wound. (1) may be due to changes in body image or pain (2) expected, not indicative of an infection (3) correct-pain is characteristic of inflammation and infection (4) warm skin above site would indicate infection
The nurse is screening an eight-month-old girl in a well-baby clinic. The nurse would be MOST concerned if the infant's mother made which of the following statements?
- A. My daughter has almost doubled her birth weight.
- B. When I walk in the room my child smiles at me.
- C. When she is around her grandpa, my child cries.
- D. My daughter can't quite say Mama yet.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An eight-month-old should have doubled birth weight by 5–6 months; 'almost doubled' suggests growth delay, requiring evaluation. Options B, C, and D are normal behaviors.
An adult had exploratory surgery and postoperatively had an exacerbation of asthma. The client is on a rebreathing mask and seems upset and angry. What is the best nursing approach?
- A. Ask the physician for an order for lorazepam (Ativan).
- B. Spend some time with the client.
- C. Ask the family to have someone stay with the client.
- D. Apply wrist restraints.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spending time with the client addresses emotional distress, calming them without medication or restraints, supporting asthma management.
A depressed client who has recently been acting suicidal is now more social and energetic than usual. Smilingly he tells the nurse 'I've made some decisions about my life.' What should be the nurse's initial response?
- A. You've made some decisions.
- B. Are you thinking about killing yourself?
- C. I'm so glad to hear that you've made some decisions.
- D. You need to discuss your decisions with your therapist.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Are you thinking about killing yourself? This validates suicidal ideation to assess the seriousness of the risk.
The client with cancer has an order for Adriamycin. Which of the following untoward effects is of particular concern to the nurse?
- A. Alopecia
- B. Fatigue
- C. Dysrhythmias
- D. Nausea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Adriamycin (doxorubicin) is cardiotoxic, and dysrhythmias are a serious concern. Alopecia, fatigue, and nausea are common but less life-threatening.