A patient with a myocardial infarction is withdrawing from alcohol. The patient is nauseated and having tremors despite receiving medications for withdrawal. The nurse suspects the patient is experiencing which electrolyte imbalance?
1. Serum magnesium 2.5 mEq/dL
2. Serum phosphate 2.7 mEq/dL
3. Serum potassium 3.1 mEq/dL
4. Total calcium 9.0 mg/dL
3
Rationale 1: This is a normal magnesium level (1.2-2.0).
Rationale 2: This is a normal phosphate level (1.8-3.0).
Rationale 3: A low serum potassium (hypokalemia less than 3.5 mEq/L) is a frequent finding in alcohol withdrawal syndrome related to inadequate intake, excessive diuresis, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Rationale 4: This is a normal calcium level.
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Mrs. Z has oat cell carcinoma of the lung. She is currently admitted with acute mental status changes and a sodium level of 118 mEq/L. Her diagnosis most likely is
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The nurse has an order to perform occult blood testing on a patient's emesis. The nurse recognizes that the test is positive for occult blood when the sample turns:
a. red. b. blue. c. green. d. yellow.
The nurse is alert for the symptoms of atelectasis, which include: (Select all that apply.)
a. Grunting b. Intercostal retractions c. Vomiting d. Sweating e. Mottled skin