Author Question: Which assessment finding will the nurse expect for a patient with the following laboratory values: ... (Read 76 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

Which assessment finding will the nurse expect for a patient with the following laboratory values: sodium 145 mEq/L, potassium 4.5 mEq/L, calcium 4.5 mg/dL?

a. Weak quadriceps muscles
b. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
c. Light-headedness when standing up
d. Tingling of extremities with possible tetany

Question 2

While the nurse is taking a patient history, the nurse discovers the patient has a type of diabetes that results from a head injury and does not require insulin. Which dietary change should the nurse share with the patient?

a. Reduce the quantity of carbohydrates ingested to lower blood sugar.
b. Include a serving of dairy in each meal to elevate calcium levels.
c. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated.
d. Avoid food high in acid to avoid metabolic acidosis.

verrinzo · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
This patient has hypocalcemia because the normal calcium range is 8.4 to 10.5 mg/dL. Hypocalcemia causes muscle tetany, positive Chvostek's sign, and tingling of the extremities. Sodium and potassium values are within their normal ranges: sodium 135 to 145 mEq/L; potassium 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Light-headedness when standing up is a manifestation of ECV deficit or sometimes hypokalemia. Weak quadriceps muscles are associated with potassium imbalances. Decreased deep tendon reflexes are related to hypercalcemia or hypermagnesemia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The patient has diabetes insipidus, which places the patient at risk for dehydration and hypernatremia. Dehydration should be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids to replace the extra water excreted in the urine. Foods high in acid are not what causes metabolic acidosis. A reduction in carbohydrates to lower blood sugar will not help a patient with diabetes insipidus but it may help a patient with diabetes mellitus. Calcium-rich dairy products would be recommended for a hypocalcemic patient.