The client's serum potassium is 3.0 mEq/L. Which client data does the nurse use to validate the laboratory test?
1. A low urine output.
2. Irregular heart rate.
3. Complaints of thirst.
4. Hyperactive reflexes.
2
2. The client is hypokalemic, confirmed by an irregular heart rate because potassium plays a critical role in nerve impulse transmission and is a hallmark indicator of hy-pokalemia.
1. Low urine output can reflect fluid volume status, kidney disease, hypoperfusion of the kidneys, and many other disorders.
3. Clients complaining of thirst usually are hypovolemic or hypernatremic.
4. Hyperreflexia is a clinical indicator of hypokalemia.
You might also like to view...
The nurse should be mindful that the factor in a client's history most likely to result in esophageal reflux is
a. eating foods high in sodium. b. heavy consumption of coffee daily. c. long-term sedentary lifestyle. d. very-high-fiber diet.
The nurse is discussing with a child and family the various sites used for insulin injections. What site usually has the fastest rate of absorption?
a. Arm b. Leg c. Buttock d. Abdomen
BMI is now being used to determine obesity; however, its use is not without controversy. Research has shown that ethnic differences exist in the relationship between BMI and health risks
Which ethnic group has been shown that the health risks of obesity can occur at a BMI lower than 30? A) Asian Americans C) Hispanic Americans B) Black Americans D) Native Americans
A patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is placed in the prone position. When prone positioning is used, which information obtained by the nurse indicates that the positioning is effective?
a. The patient's PaO2 is 89 mm Hg, and the SaO2 is 91%. b. Endotracheal suctioning results in clear mucous return. c. Sputum and blood cultures show no growth after 48 hours. d. The skin on the patient's back is intact and without redness.