A client has been admitted with hypokalemia but all treatments have failed to raise the potassium level suitably. The nurse would assess the client further and report findings of
a. chronic insomnia.
b. estrogen use.
c. laxative abuse.
d. recent leg fracture.
C
Hypomagnesemia can cause refractory hypokalemia and hypocalcemia. The hypomagnesemic state inhibits potassium reabsorption and must be corrected before successful treatment of the potassium imbalance. Laxative abuse is a known etiology of hypomagnesemia.
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A nurse who provides care on a burn unit is preparing to apply a patient's ordered topical antibiotic ointment. What action should the nurse perform when administering this medication?
A) Apply the new ointment without disturbing the existing layer of ointment. B) Apply the ointment using a sterile tongue depressor. C) Apply a layer of ointment approximately 1/16 inch thick. D) Gently irrigate the wound bed after applying the antibiotic ointment.
The emergency department nurse is triaging clients. Which client does the nurse assess most carefully for hypovolemic shock?
a. 15-year-old adolescent who plays high school basketball b. 24-year-old computer specialist who has bulimia c. 48-year-old truck driver who has a 40-pack-year history of smoking d. 62-year-old business executive who travels frequently
What intervention is likely to improve the mental health needs of more children with a wide range of psychiatric and behavioral problems?
A) Service integration into the school system B) Increasing the number of inpatient services for children C) Providing parents with a list of community resources that offer mental health care to children D) Referring children with mental health problems to their primary physician
The primary role of the nurse practitioner in emergency departments is usually to:
1. Triage clients 2. Manage nonemergent client problems 3. Assess medically uninsured clients 4. Provide health education about preventive health care