The nurse practitioner conducts education for home-health nurses who care for geriatric patients. Many of the patients abuse laxatives, so the nurse practitioner focuses the education on problems that can be caused by chronic laxative use

Question

The nurse practitioner evaluates that learning has occurred when the nurses make which statement(s)?
1. "The kidneys and GI tract keep electrolytes in narrow balance, where they must be."
2. "Electrolytes carry electricity in the body and must stay in balance."
3. "The electrolytes can be replaced by eating the right foods."
4. "The most important electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and magnesium."
5. "Laxatives can lower the level of potassium, necessary for proper heart function."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3,5
Rationale: Small, inorganic molecules possessing a positive or negative charge are called electrolytes. These ions are able to conduct electricity. Chronic use of laxatives can result in fluid imbalance and hypokalemia. Cardiac arrest is a possible consequence of hypokalemia. Levels of electrolytes in body fluids are maintained within very narrow ranges, primarily by the kidneys and GI tract. As electrolytes are lost due to normal excretory functions, they must be replaced by adequate intake, otherwise electrolyte imbalances will result. The most important electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and calcium, not magnesium.