which client is at risk for hypomagnesemia

NCLEX-PN

Kaplan NCLEX Question of The Day

1. Which client is at risk for hypomagnesemia?

A. Client with a history of heart disease
B. Client taking magnesium-based antacids
C. Client with a parathyroid disorder
D. Client admitted with alcohol abuse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the client admitted with alcohol abuse. Alcoholics tend to have poor nutrition due to decreased food intake, which is a common source of magnesium. Additionally, alcohol suppresses the release of ADH, leading to diuresis and magnesium loss. Choice A is incorrect because a history of heart disease does not directly increase the risk of hypomagnesemia. Choice B is incorrect as taking magnesium-based antacids would not put the client at risk for hypomagnesemia; in fact, it would help prevent it. Choice C is also incorrect as a parathyroid disorder is not typically associated with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia.

2. A 20-year-old obese female client is preparing to have gastric bypass surgery for weight loss. She says to the nurse, "I need this surgery because nothing else I have done has helped me to lose weight."? Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A. "If you eat less, you can save some money."?
B. "Exercise is a healthier way to lose weight."?
C. "You should try the Atkins diet first."?
D. "I respect your decision to choose surgery."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is to show respect and empathy towards the client's decision. Option D acknowledges the client's autonomy and decision-making process, fostering a therapeutic relationship. Options A, B, and C are insensitive and unprofessional. Option A implies a financial incentive for weight loss, which can be perceived as disrespectful and trivializing the client's concerns. Option B suggests an alternative method without considering the client's reasons for choosing surgery, potentially invalidating her experiences. Option C recommends a specific diet without addressing the client's concerns or choices, neglecting her autonomy in decision-making.

3. The client is being discharged after a concussion. Which of the following symptoms should be reported?

A. Difficulty waking up
B. Headache (3/10 on the pain scale)
C. Bruising on knees and elbows
D. Achy feeling all over

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Difficulty waking up' because it indicates a change in consciousness, which is a concerning symptom following a concussion. Reporting this symptom is crucial as it may signify a more severe head injury. 'Headache (3/10 on the pain scale)' may be common after a concussion but is not as urgent as a change in consciousness. 'Bruising on knees and elbows' is likely unrelated to the concussion and not a priority for reporting. 'Achy feeling all over' is a vague symptom and not specific to a concerning change in the client's condition post-concussion.

4. Which of the following is not a primary function of the kidneys?

A. blood pressure control
B. vitamin D activation
C. erythropoietin production
D. reabsorption of waste products

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is reabsorption of waste products because the kidneys excrete waste products rather than reabsorbing them. Choices A, B, and C are indeed primary functions of the kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, activating vitamin D, and producing erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production. Therefore, the primary role of the kidneys is to filter blood, remove waste products, regulate fluid balance, and maintain electrolyte balance.

5. How can a nurse recognize that a chronic renal failure client's AV shunt is patent?

A. Absence of a bruit
B. Presence of a thrill
C. Blood return from the shunt
D. Urine output greater than 30 ml/hr

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct assessment to determine the patency of an AV shunt in a chronic renal failure client is the presence of a thrill. A thrill is a vibration or buzzing sensation felt over the shunt site, indicating good blood flow through the shunt. While the presence of a bruit is also important for assessing an AV shunt, a thrill is a more specific indicator of patency. Blood return from the shunt is related to cannulation and not necessarily an indicator of patency. Urine output greater than 30 ml/hr is not directly related to the assessment of an AV shunt's patency.