a nurse is taking care of a 65 year old female patient in a medical surgical unit who is in renal failure during the assessment the patient complains

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Fluid and Electrolytes ATI

1. A nurse is taking care of a 65-year-old female patient in a medical-surgical unit who is in renal failure; during the assessment, the patient complains of tingling in her lips and fingers. When the nurse takes her blood pressure, she has a spasm in her wrist and hand. The nurse suspects:

A. Hypophosphatemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of tingling in the lips and fingers along with the wrist and hand spasm are indicative of tetany, a characteristic manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia can present with sensations of tingling in the extremities and around the mouth. The spasm in the wrist and hand when taking blood pressure could be due to slight ischemia of the ulnar nerve, further supporting the suspicion of hypocalcemia in this patient. Hypophosphatemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperkalemia do not typically present with these specific symptoms and manifestations.

2. .A nurse assesses a clients peripheral IV site, and notices edema and tenderness above the site. Which action should the nurse take next?

A. Apply cold compresses to the IV site.
B. Elevate the extremity on a pillow.
C. Flush the catheter with normal saline.
D. . Stop the infusion of intravenous fluids.

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

3. The nurse is caring for a postthyroidectomy patient at risk for hypocalcemia. What action should the nurse take when assessing for hypocalcemia?

A. Monitor laboratory values daily for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone.
B. Observe for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain.
C. Evaluate the quality of the patient's voice postoperatively, noting any drastic changes.
D. Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes are signs of hyperirritability of the nervous system due to hypocalcemia. The other options describe complications the nurse should also be observing for; however, tetany and neurologic alterations are primary indications of hypocalcemia. Monitoring for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (choice A) is not relevant in assessing for hypocalcemia. Observing for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain (choice B) are more related to airway compromise. Evaluating the quality of the patient's voice postoperatively (choice C) is important but not a primary sign of hypocalcemia.

4. You are the nurse caring for a 77-year-old male patient who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. You and your colleague note that the patients labs indicate minimally elevated serum creatinine levels, which your colleague dismisses. What can this increase in creatinine indicate in older adults?

A. Substantially reduced renal function
B. Acute kidney injury
C. Decreased cardiac output
D. ) Alterations in ratio of body fluids to muscle mass

Correct answer: A

Rationale:

5. Which electrolyte is important in the formation of the thyroid hormones?

A. Sodium
B. Iodine
C. Iron
D. Chloride

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Iodine is the correct answer because it is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland incorporates iodine into thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are crucial for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. Sodium, iron, and chloride are not directly involved in the formation of thyroid hormones, making them incorrect choices.