Exam 16: Fluid, electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances

A patient has a serum calcium level of 7.0 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

The nurse notes a serum calcium level of 7.9 mg/dL for a patient who has chronic malnutrition. Which action should the nurse take next?

During the admission process,the nurse obtains information about a patient through a physical assessment and diagnostic testing. Based on the data shown in the accompanying figure,which nursing diagnosis is appropriate?

The nurse assesses a patient who has been hospitalized for 2 days. The patient has been receiving normal saline IV at 100 mL/hr,has a nasogastric tube to low suction,and is NPO. Which assessment finding would be a priority for the nurse to report to the health care provider?

A patient with renal failure who arrives for outpatient hemodialysis is unresponsive to questions and has decreased deep tendon reflexes. Family members report that the patient has been taking aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide suspension (Maalox)at home for indigestion. Which action should the nurse take first?

When caring for a patient with renal failure on a low phosphate diet,the nurse will inform unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)to remove which food from the patient's food tray?

Spironolactone (Aldactone),an aldosterone antagonist,is prescribed for a patient. Which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching about this medication has been effective?

A postoperative patient who had surgery for a perforated gastric ulcer has been receiving nasogastric suction for 3 days. The patient now has a serum sodium level of 127 mEq/L (127 mmol/L). Which prescribed therapy should the nurse question?

Following a thyroidectomy,a patient complains of "a tingling feeling around my mouth." Which assessment should the nurse complete?

A patient with new-onset confusion and hyponatremia is being admitted. When making room assignments,the charge nurse should take which action?

An older patient receiving iso-osmolar continuous tube feedings develops restlessness,agitation,and weakness. Which laboratory result should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?

A patient has a parenteral nutrition infusion of 25% dextrose. A student nurse asks the nurse why a peripherally inserted central catheter was inserted. Which response by the nurse is accurate?

Which action should the nurse take first when a patient complains of acute chest pain and dyspnea soon after insertion of a centrally inserted IV catheter?

A patient who has a small cell carcinoma of the lung develops syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). The nurse should notify the health care provider about which assessment finding?

A patient who had a transverse colectomy for diverticulosis 18 hours ago has nasogastric suction. The patient complains of anxiety and incisional pain. The patient's respiratory rate is 32 breaths/min,and the arterial blood gases (ABGs)indicate respiratory alkalosis. Which action should the nurse take first?

The home health nurse cares for an alert and oriented older adult patient with a history of dehydration. Which instructions should the nurse give this patient related to fluid intake?

When assessing a pregnant patient with eclampsia who is receiving IV magnesium sulfate,which finding should the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?