Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
A. Decreased calcium level
Postoperative ileus and NG tube drainage are not typically associated with decreased calcium levels.
B. Decreased potassium level
The nurse should monitor for electrolyte imbalances, particularly a decreased potassium level. This is because the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, contains a high concentration of potassium, and substantial losses can occur with ongoing gastric suctioning.
C. Elevated sodium level
NG tube drainage does not typically result in elevated sodium levels.
D. Elevated magnesium level
NG tube drainage does not typically result in elevated magnesium levels.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Med Surg Proctored Exam 8. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Postoperative ileus and NG tube drainage are not typically associated with decreased calcium levels.
B. The nurse should monitor for electrolyte imbalances, particularly a decreased potassium level. This is because the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach, contains a high concentration of potassium, and substantial losses can occur with ongoing gastric suctioning.
C. NG tube drainage does not typically result in elevated sodium levels.
D. NG tube drainage does not typically result in elevated magnesium levels.
Similar Questions
A primary care nurse is reviewing the medical history of a client. Which of the following chronic conditions should the nurse identify as risk factors for developing kidney disease?
A. Chronic lung disease
Chronic lung disease is not typically identified as a risk factor for developing kidney disease.
B. Hypertension
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for kidney disease as it can damage blood vessels in the kidneys over time.
C. Diabetes
Diabetes, especially when uncontrolled, can lead to diabetic nephropathy, a common cause of kidney disease.
D. Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is primarily related to the cardiovascular system and is not directly associated with kidney disease.
E. Obesity
Obesity increases the risk of developing kidney disease due to associated conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Full Explanation
A. Chronic lung disease is not typically identified as a risk factor for developing kidney disease.
B. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for kidney disease as it can damage blood vessels in the kidneys over time.
C. Diabetes, especially when uncontrolled, can lead to diabetic nephropathy, a common cause of kidney disease.
D. Coronary heart disease is primarily related to the cardiovascular system and is not directly associated with kidney disease.
E. Obesity increases the risk of developing kidney disease due to associated conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Which of the following are expected findings? (Select all that apply).
A. Bone pain
Bone pain can occur in ESRD due to mineral and bone disorders associated with chronic kidney disease.
B. Slurred speech
Slurred speech can be seen in ESRD patients with uremic encephalopathy.
C. Hypotension
Hypotension is less common in ESRD; hypertension is more typical due to fluid overload and retention.
D. Pruritus
Pruritus is a common symptom of ESRD, often due to accumulation of uremic toxins.
E. Bradypnea.
Bradypnea is not typically associated with ESRD.
Full Explanation
A. Bone pain can occur in ESRD due to mineral and bone disorders associated with chronic kidney disease.
B. Slurred speech can be seen in ESRD patients with uremic encephalopathy.
C. Hypotension is less common in ESRD; hypertension is more typical due to fluid overload and retention.
D. Pruritus is a common symptom of ESRD, often due to accumulation of uremic toxins.
E. Bradypnea is not typically associated with ESRD.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results from a client who has prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI). Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse expect?
A. Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia is usually due to an excess of sodium or a deficit of water, not directly related to prerenal causes.
B. Hyperkalemia
Prerenal AKI is characterized by a decrease in renal blood flow, which leads to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate and a subsequent accumulation of waste products, including potassium. Hyperkalemia occurs because the kidneys are unable to excrete potassium effectively.
C. Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is not typically associated with AKI.
D. Hypophosphatemia
Hypophosphatemia is generally associated with malnutrition or malabsorption syndromes and is not a direct result of prerenal AKI.
Full Explanation
A. Hypernatremia is usually due to an excess of sodium or a deficit of water, not directly related to prerenal causes.
B. Prerenal AKI is characterized by a decrease in renal blood flow, which leads to a reduction in glomerular filtration rate and a subsequent accumulation of waste products, including potassium. Hyperkalemia occurs because the kidneys are unable to excrete potassium effectively.
C. Hypercalcemia is not typically associated with AKI.
D. Hypophosphatemia is generally associated with malnutrition or malabsorption syndromes and is not a direct result of prerenal AKI.