A patient is diagnosed with gastroenteritis. The nurse should assess which serum laboratory value first?
1. sodium
2. bicarbonate
3. calcium
4. potassium
Correct Answer: 4
Electrolyte and acid?base imbalances may result from gastroenteritis. Extensive vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach. When diarrhea predominates, metabolic acidosis is more likely. Potassium is lost in either case, which leads to hypokalemia. Sodium, bicarbonate, and calcium are not the primary electrolyte lost with gastroenteritis.
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