MedSurg 1 Chp.13 Prep U

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with bulimia. The client is being treated for a serum potassium concentration of 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/L). Which statement made by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

"I can use laxatives and enemas but only once a week." Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 255

Hypokalemia can cause which symptom to occur?

Excessive thirst Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 255

A client in the emergency department reports that he has been vomiting excessively for the past 2 days. His arterial blood gas analysis shows a pH of 7.50, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 43 mm Hg, partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) of 75 mm Hg, and bicarbonate (HCO3-) of 42 mEq/L. Based on these findings, the nurse documents that the client is experiencing which type of acid-base imbalance?

Metabolic alkalosis Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 269

A 64-year-old client is brought in to the clinic feeling thirsty with dry, sticky mucous membranes; decreased urine output; fever; a rough tongue; and is lethargic. Serum sodium level is above 145 mEq/l (145 mmol/L). Should the nurse start salt tablets when caring for this client?

No, sodium intake should be restricted. Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 253

A nurse reviews the arterial blood gas (ABG) values of a client admitted with pneumonia: pH, 7.51; PaCO2, 28 mm Hg; PaO2, 70 mm Hg; and HCO3--, 24 mEq/L. What do these values indicate?

Respiratory Alkalosis Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 270

Which of the following electrolytes is the primary determinant of extracellular fluid (ECF) osmolality?

Sodium Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 251

Treatment of FVE involves dietary restriction of sodium. Which of the following food choices would be part of a low-sodium diet, mild restriction (2 to 3 g/day)?

Three ounces of light or dark meat chicken, 1 cup of spaghetti and a garden salad Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 250

A client is brought in by ambulance in a nauseous and confused state and demonstrating carpopedal spasm. Initial arterial blood gases show increased pH and HCO3 and normal PaCO2 levels. Breathing is slow and shallow. As the nurse caring for this client, you know that potassium salt should be a part of the treatment for this client when?

When hypokalemia is present Explanation: The findings suggest metabolic alkalosis. Treatment involves eliminating the cause. Loss of hydrogen and chloride ions may be one of the causes, and this loss can be a result of hypokalemia. Potassium salt should be administered if there is evidence of hypokalemia. It is not always part of the treatment for metabolic alkalosis. If there is volume depletion, the nurse should always administer sodium chloride solutions. Accumulation of base bicarbonate is what leads to metabolic alkalosis and is not a defining condition for treatment with potassium.

Fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained through the process of translocation. What specific process allows water to pass through a membrane from a dilute to a more concentrated area?

osmosis Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 237

Which set of arterial blood gas (ABG) results requires further investigation?

pH 7.49, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 89 mm Hg, and HCO3- 18 mEq/L Chapter 13: Fluid and Electrolytes: Balance and Disturbance - Page 270