A client who is scheduled for surgery the following day has preoperative electrolyte levels drawn. The nurse would notify the surgeon's office to report
a. a calcium level of 9.6 mg/dl.
b. a chloride level of 101 mEq/L.
c. a potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L.
d. a sodium level of 132 mEq/L.
C
Plasma ranges for electrolytes are 135 to 145 mEq/L for sodium, 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L for potassium, 98 to 106 mEq/L for chloride, and 4.5 to 5.5 mEq/L (or 9-11 mg/dl) for calcium. The nurse should report even borderline potassium levels because general anesthesia not only promotes potassium loss, but in combination with lower plasma potassium levels, synergistically increases the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias.
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The nurse is caring for an older patient who has a loss of smell. How does the nurse best describe this phenomenon to the patient?
1. "You have been exposed to a toxin that has stopped your neurotransmitter function." 2. "If the mucus membranes in your nose are damaged, it may affect your sense of smell." 3. "The number of sensory cells increases with age, which lowers your sense of smell." 4. "Allergies, polyps, and viral infections can cause an increased sense of smell."
The following information is best placed in which category?
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A patient tells the nurse, "I have been reading about using capsaicin as a treatment for muscle pain. Do you know anything about that?" How should the nurse respond to this question? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply
1. "Why don't you ask the doctor about whether it works or not?" 2. "I think you take a tablespoon twice a day." 3. "You should use a hot pad on the site prior to applying the capsaicin." 4. "Some patients report that capsaicin stings." 5. "Be certain to wash your hands after applying the capsaicin."