A nurse evaluates the following laboratory results for a client ...

[burton19126]

A nurse evaluates the following laboratory results for a client who has hypoparathyroidism:
 
  Calcium
  7.2 mg/dL
  Sodium
  144 mEq/L
  Magnesium
  1.2 mEq/L
  Potassium
  5.7 mEq/L
  Based on these results, which medications should the nurse anticipate administering? (Select all that apply.)
  a.
  Oral potassium chloride
  b.
  Intravenous calcium chloride
  c.
  3 normal saline IV solution
  d.
  50 magnesium sulfate
  e.
  Oral calcitriol (Rocaltrol)

Question 2

While assessing a client with Graves' disease, the nurse notes that the client's temperature has risen 1  F. Which action should the nurse take first?
 
  a. Turn the lights down and shut the client's door.
  b. Call for an immediate electrocardiogram (ECG).
  c. Calculate the client's apical-radial pulse deficit.
  d. Administer a dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol).

[duke02]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B, D
The client has hypocalcemia (treated with calcium chloride) and hypomagnesemia (treated with magnesium sulfate). The potassium level is high, so replacement is not needed. The client's sodium level is normal, so hypertonic IV solution is not needed. No information about a vitamin D deficiency is evident, so calcitriol is not needed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A temperature increase of 1  F may indicate the development of thyroid storm, and the provider needs to be notified. But before notifying the provider, the nurse should take measures to reduce environmental stimuli that increase the risk of cardiac complications. The nurse can then call for an ECG. The apical-radial pulse deficit would not be necessary, and Tylenol is not needed because the temperature increase is due to thyroid activity.