Urinary Elimination NCLEX RN Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
The nurse is caring for a client who prescribed a 40 mEq potassium chloride capsule for hypokalemia. The client reports difficulty swallowing capsules. Which action should the nurse take when administering this medication?
A. Sprinkle the contents of the capsule onto a spoonful of soft food.
B. Have the client chew the capsule prior to swallowing.
C. Sprinkle the contents of the capsule into a cup of warm water.
D. Put the capsule under the client's tongue and have it dissolve.
Explanation: Potassium chloride capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce, to aid swallowing. Chewing the capsule (B) could cause irritation or release the medication too quickly. Dissolving in warm water (C) is not recommended as it may affect the medication's stability. Sublingual administration (D) is not appropriate for potassium chloride.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse reviews the lab values of a client and notes a serum sodium level of 125 mEq/L (mmol/L) [Reference range: 135-145 mEq/L (mmol/L)]. Which conditions does the nurse recognize as potential causes of this laboratory abnormality? Select all that apply.
A. syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
B. diabetes Insipidus
C. addison's disease (adrenal insufficiency)
D. psychogenic polydipsia
E. salt water drowning
Explanation: SIADH causes water retention, diluting sodium. Addison's disease reduces aldosterone, leading to sodium loss. Psychogenic polydipsia causes excessive water intake, diluting sodium.
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse is caring for a client on a medical floor. The nurse would recognize that which diagnosis increases the client's risk of developing hyperkalemia?
A. Cushing's syndrome
B. Acute renal failure
C. Cystic fibrosis
D. Bulimia nervosa
Explanation: Acute renal failure impairs potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia.
Question 4 of 5.
The nurse is reviewing labs for a client with a serum potassium level of 3.3 mEq/L (mmol/L) [3.5-5 mEq/L, mmol/L]. The nurse should take which essential action based on this laboratory result?
A. Educate the client on potassium-rich foods
B. Implement continuous telemetry monitoring
C. Obtain an order for calcium gluconate
D. Assess the client's neurological status
Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) requires dietary education to increase potassium intake, as it does not typically necessitate telemetry or calcium.
Question 5 of 5.
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with renal failure. Which laboratory data requires immediate follow-up?
A. Blood urea nitrogen 50 mg/dL [10-20 mg/dL]
B. Serum potassium 6 mEq/L (mmol/L) [3.5-5.0 mEq/L]
C. Arterial blood pH 7.30 [7.35-7.45]
D. Hemoglobin 10.3 g/dL (1.03 g/L) [F: 12-16 g/dL (7.4 -9.9 mmol/L) M: 14-18 g/dL (8,7-11.2 mmol/L)]
Explanation: Hyperkalemia (6 mEq/L) requires immediate follow-up due to the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias.
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