Nursing Elites

1. Your patient has alcoholism, and you may suspect during your assessment that his serum magnesium is low. What will the nurse potentially expect to assess related to hypomagnesemia?

• A. Tremor
• B. Pruritus
• C. Edema
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tremor. Signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia primarily affect the neuromuscular system and can include tremors, confusion, tetany, laryngeal stridor, and ataxia. Pruritus (choice B) refers to itching and is not typically associated with hypomagnesemia. Edema (choice C) is swelling caused by fluid retention and is not a common manifestation of hypomagnesemia. Decreased blood pressure (choice D) is not a typical sign of hypomagnesemia; instead, low magnesium levels are more likely to cause hypertension.

2. The term used to describe a blood sodium level of more than 145 mEq/L is:

• A. hyponatremia.
• B. hyperkalemia.
• C. hypernatremia.
• D. hypercalcemia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: hypernatremia. Hypernatremia refers to an elevated level of sodium in the blood, specifically when it is more than 145 mEq/L. Choice A, hyponatremia, is incorrect as it refers to low sodium levels. Choice B, hyperkalemia, is incorrect as it refers to high potassium levels, not sodium. Choice D, hypercalcemia, is also incorrect as it relates to elevated calcium levels, not sodium.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

• A. Depth of respirations
• B. Bowel sounds
• C. Grip strength
• D. Electrocardiography

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Depth of respirations.' In a client with electrolyte imbalances like low potassium (hypokalemia) and low magnesium (hypomagnesemia), respiratory changes, such as shallow respirations or respiratory muscle weakness, can occur and lead to respiratory compromise. Assessing the depth of respirations is crucial to evaluate respiratory function in this client. Bowel sounds, grip strength, and electrocardiography are also important assessments in different situations, but in this case, respiratory assessment takes priority due to the potential impact of electrolyte imbalances on breathing.

4. Third spacing occurs when fluid moves out of the intravascular space but not into the intracellular space. Based on this fluid shift, the nurse will expect the patient to demonstrate:

• A. Hypertension
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypervolemia
• D. Hypovolemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the scenario of third-spacing fluid shift, where fluid moves out of the intravascular space but not into the intracellular space, the patient is expected to demonstrate hypovolemia. Hypertension (Choice A) is unlikely as hypovolemia typically leads to decreased blood pressure. Bradycardia (Choice B) is not a common manifestation of hypovolemia, as the body often tries to compensate by increasing heart rate. Hypervolemia (Choice C) indicates an excess of fluid, which is the opposite of what occurs in third spacing.

5. A gerontologic nurse is teaching students about the high incidence and prevalence of dehydration in older adults. What factors contribute to this phenomenon? Select all that do not apply.

• A. Decreased kidney mass
• B. Decreased renal blood flow
• C. Decreased excretion of potassium
• D. Increased conservation of sodium

Correct answer: D

Rationale:

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