Exam 17: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Imbalances

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?

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

The long-term care nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of protein supplements for an older resident who has a low serum total protein level.Which assessment finding indicates that the patient's condition has improved?

A patient is admitted to the emergency department with severe fatigue and confusion.Laboratory studies are done.Which laboratory value will require the most immediate action by the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a massive burn injury and possible hypovolemia.Which assessment data will be of most concern to the nurse?

A patient is receiving a 3% saline continuous IV infusion for hyponatremia.Which assessment data will require the most rapid response by the nurse?

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 patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension complains of generalized weakness.It is most appropriate for the nurse to take which action?

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 most appropriate?

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

A patient comes to the clinic complaining of frequent,watery stools for the last 2 days.Which action should the nurse take first?

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?

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

A patient who was involved in a motor vehicle crash has had a tracheostomy placed to allow for continued mechanical ventilation.How should the nurse interpret the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.48,PaCO₂ 85 mm Hg,PaCO₂ 32 mm Hg,and HCO₃ 25 mEq/L?

Which action can the registered nurse (RN)who is caring for a critically ill patient with multiple IV lines delegate to an experienced licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

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?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a calcium level of 12.1 mg/dL.Which nursing action should the nurse include on the care plan?