Which serum electrolyte value in a client with polycythemia vera should the nurse report to the physician?
A. Sodium, 132 mEq/L
B. Chloride, 98 mEq/L
C. Potassium, 7.2 mEq/L
D. Total calcium, 8.7 mg/dL
C
The only abnormal electrolyte level is potassium, and the client has hyperkalemia. The major cation in the intracellular fluid is potassium. The extracellular potassium level should range be-tween 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Higher levels of serum potassium can lead to heart block and death. In polycythemia, the client is at risk for hyperkalemia because his or her RBCs are more fragile and break open easily, releasing intracellular potassium.
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What statement made by a new mother indicates she needs additional information about breastfeeding?
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a. Type 1 diabetes b. Type 2 diabetes c. Gestational diabetes d. Maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY)
A nurse is teaching a group of patients about the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in older adults. The nurse knows teaching has been effective when a patient states, "Statistically, in a group of 100 older adults in the United States, approximately:
1. 10 will have type 2 diabetes." 2. 17 will have type 2 diabetes." 3. 27 will have type 2 diabetes." 4. 33 will have type 2 diabetes."