Ch10 Fluid & Electrolytes/ PrepU
Which is considered an isotonic solution? 0.9% normal saline Dextran in normal saline 0.45% normal saline 3% NaCl
0.9% normal saline Explanation: An isotonic solution is 0.9% normal saline (NaCl). Dextran in normal saline is a colloid solution, 0.45% normal saline is a hypotonic solution, and 3% NaCl is a hypertonic solution.
The nurse is instructing a client with recurrent hyperkalemia about following a potassium-restricted diet. Which statement by the client indicates the need for additional instruction? "I will not salt my food; instead I'll use salt substitute." "Bananas have a lot of potassium in them; I'll stop buying them." "I'll drink cranberry juice with my breakfast instead of coffee." "I need to check to see whether my cola beverage has potassium in it."
"I will not salt my food; instead I'll use salt substitute." Explanation: The client should avoid salt substitutes. The nurse must caution clients to use salt substitutes sparingly if they are taking other supplementary forms of potassium or potassium-conserving diuretics. Potassium-rich foods to be avoided include many fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole-grain breads, lean meat, milk, eggs, coffee, tea, and cocoa. Conversely, foods with minimal potassium content include butter, margarine, cranberry juice or sauce, ginger ale, gumdrops or jellybeans, hard candy, root beer, sugar, and honey. Labels of cola beverages must be checked carefully because some are high in potassium and some are not.
The physician has prescribed a hypotonic IV solution for a patient. Which IV solution should the nurse administer? 0.45% sodium chloride 0.9% sodium chloride 5% glucose in water 5% glucose in normal saline solution
0.45% sodium chloride Explanation: Half-strength saline (0.45% sodium chloride) solution is frequently used as an IV hypotonic solution.
A client weighing 160.2 pounds (72.7 kg), who has been diagnosed with hypovolemia, is weighed every day. The health care provider asked to be notified if the client loses 1,000 mL of fluid in 24 hours. What weight would be consistent with this amount of fluid loss? 156.0 lbs (70.8 kg) 157.0 lbs (71.2 kg) 158.0 lbs (71.7 kg) 159.0 lbs (72.1 kg)
158.0 lbs (71.7 kg) Explanation: A loss of 0.5 kg, or 1.1 lb, represents a fluid loss of about 500 mL. Therefore, a loss of 1,000 mL would be equivalent to the loss of 2.2 lbs (1 kg), bringing the client's weight to 158.0 lbs (71.7 kg).
A patient is admitted with severe vomiting for 24 hours as well as weakness and "feeling exhausted." The nurse observes flat T waves and ST-segment depression on the electrocardiogram. Which potassium level does the nurse observe when the laboratory studies are complete? 4.5 mEq/L 5.5 mEq/L 2.5 mEq/L 3.5 mEq/L
2.5 mEq/L Explanation: Symptoms of hypokalemia (<3.0 mEq/L) include fatigue, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness, polyuria, decreased bowel motility, ventricular asystole or fibrillation, paresthesias, leg cramps, hypotension, ileus, abdominal distention, and hypoactive reflexes. Electrocardiogram findings associated with hypokalemia include flattened T waves, prominent U waves, ST depression, and prolonged PR interval.
Which of the following measurable urine outputs indicates the client is maintaining adequate fluid intake and balance? A patient with a minimal urine output of 50 mL/hour A patient with a minimal urine output of 10 mL/hour A patient with a minimal urine output of 30 mL/hour A patient with a minimal urine output of 20 mL/hour
A patient with a minimal urine output of 30 mL/hour Explanation: A client with minimal urine output of 30 mL/hour provides the nurse with the information that the patient is maintaining proper fluid balance. Less then 30 mL/hour of urine output indicates dehydration and possible poor kidney function.
A client with hypervolemia asks the nurse by what mechanism the sodium-potassium pump will move the excess body fluid. What is the nurse's best answer? Passive osmosis Free flow Passive elimination Active transport
Active transport Explanation: Active transport is the physiologic pump maintained by the cell membrane that results in the movement of fluid from an area of lower concentration to one of higher concentration. Active transport requires adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for energy. The sodium-potassium pump actively moves sodium against the concentration gradient out of the cell, and fluid follows. Passive osmosis does not require energy for transport. Free flow is the natural transport of water. Passive elimination is a filter process carried out in the kidneys.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a metabolic acidosis (pH 7.25). Which of the following values is useful to the nurse in determining whether the cause of the acidosis is due to acid gain or to bicarbonate loss? Anion gap PaCO2 Bicarbonate level Serum sodium level
Anion gap Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is a common clinical disturbance characterized by a low pH (increased H+ concentration) and a low plasma bicarbonate concentration. It can be produced by a gain of hydrogen ion or a loss of bicarbonate. It can be divided clinically into two forms, according to the values of the serum anion gap: high anion gap acidosis and normal anion gap acidosis. A patient diagnosed with metabolic acidosis is determined to have normal anion gap metabolic acidosis if the anion gap is within this normal range. An anion gap greater than 16 mEq (16 mmol/L) (the normal value for an anion gap is 8-12 mEq/L (8-12 mmol/L) without potassium in the equation. If potassium is included in the equation, the normal value for the anion gap is 12-16 mEq/L (12-16 mmol/L) and suggests an excessive accumulation of unmeasured anions and would indicate high anion gap metabolic acidosis as the type. An anion gap occurs because not all electrolytes are measured. More anions are left unmeasured than cations. A low or negative anion gap may be attributed to hypoproteinemia. Disorders that cause a decreased or negative anion gap are less common compared to those related to an increased or high anion gap.
Which electrolyte is a major cation in body fluid? Chloride Bicarbonate Potassium Phosphate
Potassium Explanation: Potassium is a major cation that affects cardiac muscle functioning. Chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate are anions.
A volume-depleted patient would present with which of the following diagnostic lab results? BUN-to-creatinine ratio of 24:1 Urinary output of 1.2 L/24 hours Urine specific gravity of 1.02 Capillary refill time of 3 seconds
BUN-to-creatinine ratio of 24:1 Explanation: A BUN-to-serum creatinine concentration ratio greater than 20:1 is indicative of volume depletion. The other results are within normal range.
The emergency department (ED) nurse is caring for a client with a possible acid-base imbalance. The physician has ordered an arterial blood gas (ABG). What is one of the most important indications of an acid-base imbalance that is shown in an ABG? PaO2 PO2 Carbonic acid Bicarbonate
Bicarbonate Explanation: Arterial blood gas (ABG) results are the main tool for measuring blood pH, CO2 content (PaCO2), and bicarbonate. An acid-base imbalance may accompany a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. PaO2 and PO2 are not indications of acid-base imbalance. Carbonic acid levels are not shown in an ABG.
A client is diagnosed with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse informs the client that the physician will order diuretic therapy and restrict fluid and sodium intake to treat the disorder. If the client doesn't comply with the recommended treatment, which complication may arise? Cerebral edema Hypovolemic shock Severe hyperkalemia Tetany
Cerebral edema Explanation: Noncompliance with treatment for SIADH may lead to water intoxication from fluid retention caused by excessive antidiuretic hormone. This, in turn, limits water excretion and increases the risk for cerebral edema.
Which electrolyte is a major anion in body fluid? Chloride Potassium Sodium Calcium
Chloride Explanation: Chloride is a major anion found in extracellular fluid. Potassium, sodium, and calcium are cations
The physician has prescribed 0.9% sodium chloride IV for a hospitalized client in metabolic alkalosis. Which nursing actions are required to manage this client? Select all that apply. Compare ABG findings with previous results. Maintain intake and output records. Document presenting signs and symptoms. Administer IV bicarbonate. Suction the client's airway.
Compare ABG findings with previous results. Maintain intake and output records. Document presenting signs and symptoms. Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis results in increased plasma pH because of accumulated base bicarbonate or decreased hydrogen ion concentrations. The result is retention of sodium bicarbonate and increased base bicarbonate. Nursing management includes documenting all presenting signs and symptoms to provide accurate baseline data, monitoring laboratory values, comparing ABG findings with previous results (if any), maintaining accurate intake and output records to monitor fluid status, and implementing prescribed medical therapy.
A nurse caring for a patient who is receiving an IV solution via a central vein suspects the complication of an air embolism. Which of the following are signs and symptoms consistent with that diagnosis? Select all that apply. Crackles on auscultation Cyanosis Hypertension Shoulder pain Dyspnea Tachycardia
Cyanosis Shoulder pain Dyspnea Tachycardia Explanation: Hypotension, along with the other correct choices, is a manifestation of an air embolism. Crackles on auscultation is a major indicator of circulatory system overload.
The nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium concentration of 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L) and a fluid volume excess. The client is ordered to receive oral sodium polystyrene sulfonate and furosemide. What other order should the nurse anticipate giving? Discontinue the intravenous lactated Ringer solution. Increase the rate of the intravenous lactated Ringer solution. Change the lactated Ringer solution to 3% saline. Change the lactated Ringer solution to 2.5% dextrose.
Discontinue the intravenous lactated Ringer solution. Explanation: The lactated Ringer intravenous (IV) fluid is contributing to both the fluid volume excess and the hyperkalemia. In addition to the volume of IV fluids contributing to the fluid volume excess, lactated Ringer solution contains more sodium than daily requirements, and excess sodium worsens fluid volume excess. Lactated Ringer solution also contains potassium, which would worsen the hyperkalemia.
Which of the following is a clinical manifestation of fluid volume excess (FVE)? Select all that apply. Distended neck veins Crackles in the lung fields Shortness of breath Decreased blood pressure Bradycardia
Distended neck veins Crackles in the lung fields Shortness of breath Clinical manifestations of FVE (hypervolemia) include distended neck veins, crackles in the lung fields, shortness of breath, increased blood pressure, and tachycardia.
Which laboratory result does the nurse identify as a direct result of the client's hypovolemic status with hemoconcentration? Abnormal potassium level Elevated hematocrit level Low white blood count Low urine specific gravity
Elevated hematocrit level Explanation: When hemoconcentration occurs due to a hypovolemic state, a high ratio of blood components in relation to watery plasma occurs, thus causing an elevated hematocrit level. A high white blood cell count and urine specific gravity is also noted. Other causes of an abnormal potassium level may be present.
Before seeing a newly assigned client with respiratory alkalosis, a nurse quickly reviews the client's medical history. Which condition is a predisposing factor for respiratory alkalosis? Myasthenia gravis Type 1 diabetes mellitus Extreme anxiety Opioid overdose
Extreme anxiety Explanation: Extreme anxiety may lead to respiratory alkalosis by causing hyperventilation, which results in excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) loss. Other conditions that may set the stage for respiratory alkalosis include fever, heart failure, injury to the brain's respiratory center, overventilation with a mechanical ventilator, pulmonary embolism, and early salicylate intoxication.
A physician orders regular insulin 10 units I.V. along with 50 ml of dextrose 50% for a client with acute renal failure. What electrolyte imbalance is this client most likely experiencing? Hypercalcemia Hypernatremia Hyperglycemia Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia Explanation: Administering regular insulin I.V. concomitantly with 50 ml of dextrose 50% helps shift potassium from the extracellular fluid into the cell, which normalizes serum potassium levels in the client with hyperkalemia. This combination doesn't help reverse the effects of hypercalcemia, hypernatremia, or hyperglycemia.
The nurse is caring for a client who has a serum osmolality of 250 mOsm/kg. The nurse knows to assess further for: Dehydration. Hyperglycemia. Hyponatremia. Acidosis.
Hyponatremia. Explanation: Decreased serum sodium is a factor associated with decreased serum osmolality. Dehydration and hyperglycemia are associated with increased serum osmolality; acidosis is associated with increased urine osmolality.
Which intervention is most appropriate for a client with an arterial blood gas (ABG) of pH 7.5, a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 26 mm Hg, oxygen (O2) saturation of 96%, bicarbonate (HCO3-) of 24 mEq/L, and a PaO2 of 94 mm Hg? Administer an ordered decongestant. Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag. Offer the client fluids frequently. Administer ordered supplemental oxygen.
Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag. Explanation: The ABG results reveal respiratory alkalosis. The best intervention to raise the PaCO2 level would be to have the client breathe into a paper bag.
The nurse is caring for a geriatric client in the home setting. Due to geriatric changes decreasing thirst, the nurse is likely to see a decrease in which fluid location which contains the most body water? Intracellular fluid Extracellular fluid Interstitial fluid Intravascular fluid
Intracellular fluid About 60% of the adult human body is water. Most body water is located within the cell (intracellular fluid). Due to several physiological changes of aging, geriatric clients have less bodily fluids.
A patient has been admitted with a diagnosis of hypokalemia. The most recent laboratory reports confirm that the patient is not adequately responding to treatment. What assessment finding would be most relevant to providing appropriate treatment for this patient? Magnesium: 1.2 mg/dL Sodium: 140 mEq/L Potassium: 3.3 mEq/ L Calcium: 9.2 mg/dL
Magnesium: 1.2 mg/dL Explanation: If hypomagnesemia exists (less than 1.8 mg/dL) along with hypokalemia, potassium replacement can only be corrected after the magnesium deficit is corrected.
The nurse is caring for a client with an acid-base imbalance. For which imbalance will the nurse calculate the anion gap? Metabolic acidosis Metabolic alkalosis Respiratory acidosis Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis Explanation: The anion gap refers to the difference between the sum of all measured positively charged electrolytes (cations) and the sum of all negatively charged electrolytes (anions) in blood. The anion gap reflects unmeasured anions (phosphates, sulfates, and proteins) in plasma that replace bicarbonate in metabolic acidosis. Measuring the anion gap is necessary when analyzing conditions of metabolic acidosis as it can help determine the cause of the acidosis. Anion gap is calculated primarily to identify the cause of metabolic acidosis.
The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes type I who is having severe vomiting and diarrhea. What condition that exhibits blood values with a low pH and a low plasma bicarbonate concentration should the nurse assess for? Respiratory acidosis Respiratory alkalosis Metabolic acidosis Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is a common clinical disturbance characterized by a low pH (increased H+ concentration) and a low plasma bicarbonate concentration. Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH (decreased H+ concentration) and a high plasma bicarbonate concentration. Respiratory acidosis is a clinical disorder in which the pH is less than 7.35 and the PaCO2 is greater than 42 mm Hg and a compensatory increase in the plasma HCO3 occurs. Respiratory alkalosis is a clinical condition in which the arterial pH is greater than 7.45 and the PaCO2 is less than 38 mm Hg.
A client has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.12; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 40 mm Hg; and bicarbonate (HCO3-), 15 mEq/L. These ABG values suggest which disorder? Respiratory alkalosis Respiratory acidosis Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic acidosis Explanation: This client's pH value is below normal, indicating acidosis. The HCO3- value also is below normal, reflecting an overwhelming accumulation of acids or excessive loss of base, which suggests metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 value is normal, indicating absence of respiratory compensation. These ABG values eliminate respiratory alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and metabolic alkalosis.
A client has been diagnosed with an intestinal obstruction and has a nasogastric tube set to low continuous suction. Which acid-base disturbance is this client at risk for developing? Respiratory acidosis Respiratory alkalosis Metabolic acidosis Metabolic alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH and a high plasma bicarbonate concentration. The most common cause of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and chloride ions.
A priority nursing intervention for a client with hypervolemia involves which of the following? Establishing I.V. access with a large-bore catheter. Drawing a blood sample for typing and crossmatching. Monitoring respiratory status for signs and symptoms of pulmonary complications. Encouraging the client to consume sodium-free fluids.
Monitoring respiratory status for signs and symptoms of pulmonary complications. Explanation: Hypervolemia, or fluid volume excess (FVE), refers to an isotonic expansion of the extracellular fluid. Nursing interventions for FVE include measuring intake and output, monitoring weight, assessing breath sounds, monitoring edema, and promoting rest. The most important intervention in the list involves monitoring the respiratory status for any signs of pulmonary congestion. Breath sounds are assessed at regular intervals.
Which is the preferred route of administration for potassium? Subcutaneous Intramuscular Oral IV (intravenous) push
Oral Explanation: When the client cannot ingest sufficient potassium by consuming foods that are high in potassium, administering oral potassium is ideal because oral potassium supplements are absorbed well. Administration by IV is done with extreme caution using an infusion pump, with the patient monitored by continuous ECG. To avoid replacing potassium too quickly, potassium is never administered by IV push or intramuscularly. Potassium is not administered subcutaneously.
A client with pancreatic cancer has the following blood chemistry profile: Glucose, fasting: 204 mg/dl; blood urea nitrogen (BUN): 12 mg/dl; Creatinine: 0.9 mg/dl; Sodium: 136 mEq/L; Potassium: 2.2 mEq/L; Chloride: 99 mEq/L; CO2: 33 mEq/L. Which result should the nurse identify as critical and report immediately? CO2 Sodium Chloride
Potassium Explanation: The nurse should identify potassium: 2.2 mEq/L as critical because a normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Severe hypokalemia can cause cardiac and respiratory arrest, possibly leading to death. Hypokalemia also depresses the release of insulin and results in glucose intolerance. The glucose level is above normal (normal is about 75 to 110 mg/dl), and the chloride level is a bit low (normal is about 100 to 110 mEq/L). Although these levels should be reported, neither is life-threatening. The BUN (normal is ~ 8 to 26 mg/dl) and creatinine (normal is ~ 0.8 to 1.4 mg/dl) are within normal range.
A client's potassium level is moderately elevated. The nurse is reviewing the ECG tracing. Identify the area on the tracing where the nurse would expect to see a peak.
Potassium influences cardiac muscle activity. Alterations in potassium levels change myocardial irritability and rhythm. Hyperkalemia is very dangerous; cardiac arrest can occur. Cardiac effects of elevated serum potassium are usually significant when the level is above 8 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia causes skeletal muscle weakness and even paralysis, related to a depolarization block in the muscle. Therefore, ventricular conduction is slowed. The earliest change that can be observed is peaked, narrow T waves on the ECG. If the level continues to rise, eventually the P wave is absent and the QRS complex widens.
The nurse is reviewing client lab work for a critical lab value. Which value is called to the physician for additional orders? Potassium: 5.8 mEq/L Sodium: 138 mEq/L Magnesium:2 mEq/L Calcium: 10 mg/dL
Potassium: 5.8 mEq/L Explanation: Normal potassium level is approximately 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Elevated potassium levels can lead to muscle weakness, paresthesias, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a diagnosis of exacerbation of myasthenia gravis. Upon assessment of the client, the nurse notes the client has severely depressed respirations. The nurse would expect to identify which acid-base disturbance? Metabolic acidosis Metabolic alkalosis Respiratory acidosis Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is always from inadequate excretion of CO2 with inadequate ventilation, resulting in elevated plasma CO2 concentrations. Respiratory acidosis can occur in diseases that impair respiratory muscles such as myasthenia gravis.
A client comes to the emergency department with status asthmaticus. His respiratory rate is 48 breaths/minute, and he is wheezing. An arterial blood gas analysis reveals a pH of 7.52, a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) of 30 mm Hg, PaO2 of 70 mm Hg, and bicarbonate (HCO3??') of 26 mEq/L. What disorder is indicated by these findings? Metabolic acidosis Respiratory acidosis Metabolic alkalosis Respiratory alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis Explanation: Respiratory alkalosis results from alveolar hyperventilation. It's marked by a decrease in PaCO2 to less than 35 mm Hg and an increase in blood pH over 7.45. Metabolic acidosis is marked by a decrease in HCO3? to less than 22 mEq/L, and a decrease in blood pH to less than 7.35. In respiratory acidosis, the pH is less than 7.35 and the PaCO2 is greater than 45 mm Hg. In metabolic alkalosis, the HCO3? is greater than 26 mEq/L and the pH is greater than 7.45.
Which of the following arterial blood gas results would be consistent with metabolic alkalosis? Serum bicarbonate of 28 mEq/L PaCO2 less than 35 mm Hg Serum bicarbonate of 21 mEq/L pH 7.26
Serum bicarbonate of 28 mEq/L Evaluation of arterial blood gases reveals a pH greater than 7.45 and a serum bicarbonate concentration greater than 26 mEq/L.
Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering to antagonize the effects of potassium on the heart for a patient in severe metabolic acidosis? Sodium bicarbonate Magnesium sulfate Furosemide Calcium gluconate
Sodium bicarbonate Explanation: IV administration of sodium bicarbonate may be necessary in severe metabolic acidosis to alkalinize the plasma, shift potassium into the cells, and furnish sodium to antagonize the cardiac effects of potassium.
A nurse is reviewing a report of a client's routine urinalysis. Which value requires further investigation? Specific gravity of 1.02 Urine pH of 3.0 Absence of protein Absence of glucose
Urine pH of 3.0 Explanation: Normal urine pH is 4.5 to 8; therefore, a urine pH of 3.0 is abnormal and requires further investigation.
A newly graduated nurse is admitting a client with a long history of emphysema. The nurse learns that the client's PaCO2 has been between 56 and 64 mm Hg for several months. Why should the nurse be cautious administering oxygen? The client's calcium will rise dramatically due to pituitary stimulation. Oxygen will increase the client's intracranial pressure and create confusion. Oxygen may cause the client to hyperventilate and become acidotic. Using oxygen may result in the client developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.
Using oxygen may result in the client developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia. Explanation: When PaCO2 chronically exceeds 50 mm Hg, it creates insensitivity to CO2 in the respiratory medulla, and the use of oxygen may result in the client developing carbon dioxide narcosis and hypoxemia.
A nurse is providing client teaching about the body's plasma pH and the client asks the nurse what is the major chemical regulator of plasma pH. What is the best response by the nurse? renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system sodium-potassium pump ADH-ANP buffer system
bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system Explanation: The major chemical regulator of plasma pH is the bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system regulates blood pressure. The sodium-potassium pump regulate homeostasis. The ADH-ANP buffer system regulates water balance in the body.
A client reports muscle cramps in the calves and feeling "tired a lot." The client is taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) for hypertension. Based on these symptoms, the client will be evaluated for which electrolyte imbalance? hypokalemia hyperkalemia hypocalcemia hypercalcemia
hypokalemia Explanation: Hypokalemia causes fatigue, weakness, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, cardiac dysrhythmias, leg cramps, muscle weakness, and paresthesias. Many diuretics, such as ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), also waste potassium. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include diarrhea, nausea, muscle weakness, paresthesias, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Signs of hypocalcemia include tingling in the extremities and the area around the mouth and muscle and abdominal cramps. Hypercalcemia causes deep bone pain, constipation, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, polyuria, thirst, pathologic fractures, and mental changes.
The nurse assesses a client who is diagnosed with bulimia nervosa and at risk for alterations in both fluid and electrolyte balance. Complete the following sentence by choosing from the lists of options. During the assessment, the nurse focuses on monitoring the client for_______AEB__________
hypokalemia cardiac arrhythmia Explanation: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances are common for clients who are diagnosed with eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa. The client who vomits as a result of purging behavior when diagnosed with bulimia nervosa is at risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including hypokalemia (i.e., low serum potassium level). The client who experiences low serum potassium levels (i.e., hypokalemia) due to a diagnosed eating disorder must be monitored for cardiac arsrhythmia, a potentially life-threatening consequence of this electrolyte imbalance. The client who is diagnosed with bulimia nervosa is at risk for hypovolemia (e.g., dehydration) and hyponatremia (i.e., low serum sodium level), not hypervolemia or hypernatremia (i.e., elevated serum sodium level). While peripheral edema is a symptom of hypervolemia and extreme thirst is a symptom of hypernatremia, this client is at risk for hypovolemia (e.g., dehydration), which is manifested by dry mucous membranes, and hyponatremia, which is manifested by muscle weakness.
Following a unilateral adrenalectomy, a nurse should assess for hyperkalemia as indicated by: muscle weakness. tremors. diaphoresis. constipation.
muscle weakness. Explanation: Muscle weakness; bradycardia; nausea; diarrhea; and paresthesia of the hands, feet, tongue, and face are findings associated with hyperkalemia, which results from transient hypoaldosteronism when the adenoma is removed. Tremors, diaphoresis, and constipation aren't seen in hyperkalemia.
The nurse is analyzing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client diagnosed with severe pneumonia. Which of the following ABG results indicates respiratory acidosis? pH: 7.20, PaCO2: 65 mm Hg, HCO3-: 26 mEq/L pH: 7.32, PaCO2: 40 mm Hg, HCO3-: 18 mEq/L pH: 7.50, PaCO2: 30 mm Hg, HCO3-: 24 mEq/L pH: 7.40, PaCO2: 40 mm Hg, HCO3-: 24 mEq /L
pH: 7.20, PaCO2: 65 mm Hg, HCO3-: 26 mEq/L Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is a clinical disorder in which the pH is less than 7.35-7.40 and the PaCO2 is greater than 40-45 mm Hg and a compensatory increase in the plasma HCO3- occurs. Respiratory acidosis may be either acute or chronic. The ABG of pH: 7.32, PaCO2: 40 mm Hg, HCO3-: 18 mEq/L indicates metabolic acidosis. The ABGs of pH: 7.50, PaCO2: 30 mm Hg, and HCO3-: 24 mEq/L indicate respiratory alkalosis. The ABGs of pH 7.40, PaCO2: 40 mm Hg, and HCO3-: 24 mEq/L indicate a normal result/no imbalance.
Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse anticipate for a client with a 3-day history of vomiting? pH: 7.55, PaCO2: 60 mm Hg, HCO3-: 28 pH: 7.45, PaCO2: 32 mm Hg, HCO3-: 21 pH: 7.28, PaCO2: 25 mm Hg, HCO3: 15 pH: 7.34, PaCO2: 60 mm Hg, HCO3: 34
pH: 7.55, PaCO2: 60 mm Hg, HCO3-: 28 Explanation: The client's ABG would likely demonstrate metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis is a clinical disturbance characterized by a high pH (decreased H+ concentration) and a high plasma bicarbonate concentration. It can be produced by a gain of bicarbonate or a loss of H+. A common cause of metabolic alkalosis is vomiting or gastric suction with loss of hydrogen and chloride ions. The disorder also occurs in pyloric stenosis, where only gastric fluid is lost. The other results do not represent metabolic alkalosis.
A client admitted with acute anxiety has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.55; partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2), 90 mm Hg; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 27 mm Hg; and bicarbonate (HCO3-), 24 mEq/L. Based on these values, the nurse suspects: metabolic acidosis. metabolic alkalosis. respiratory acidosis. respiratory alkalosis.
respiratory alkalosis Explanation: This client's above-normal pH value indicates alkalosis. The below-normal PaCO2 value indicates acid loss via hyperventilation; this type of acid loss occurs only in respiratory alkalosis.
A nurse is providing an afternoon shift report and relates morning assessment findings to the oncoming nurse. Which daily assessment data is necessary to determine changes in the client's hypervolemia status? vital signs edema intake and output weight
weight Explanation: Daily weight provides the ability to monitor fluid status. A 2-lb (0.9 kg) weight gain in 24 hours indicates that the client is retaining 1 L of fluid.