Author Question: A patient who has had a prolonged period of nasogastric (NG) suctioning following colon surgery is ... (Read 15 times)

gbarreiro · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient who has had a prolonged period of nasogastric (NG) suctioning following colon surgery is experiencing electrolyte imbalances.

The magnesium level is low (1.2 mg/dL). Knowing that magnesium deficiency occurs in conjunction with low calcium levels, the nurse should assess the patient for which of the following clinical manifestations of hypocalcaemia? Select all that apply.
A)
Personality changes
B)
Hyperactive reflexes
C)
Increase in ventricular arrhythmias
D)
Increase in bouts of atrial fibrillation
E)
Symptomatic hypotension

Question 2

During a family picnic, a relative of a nurse asks what he should do if there is blood in his urine and some pain in his lower abdomen.

The best advice the nurse could give this family member would be for him to
A)
go to the emergency room right away.
B)
get an appointment with his family doctor.
C)
wait and see if it goes away without treatment.
D)
increase his intake of cranberry juice and other fluids.

blakcmamba · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
A, B, C

Feedback:

Hypocalcaemia may be evidenced by personality changes and neuromuscular irritability along with tremors, choreiform movements, and positive Chvostek or Trousseau signs. Cardiovascular manifestations include tachycardia, hypertension, and ventricular dysrhythmias.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
B

Feedback:

There are many causes of blood in the urine (infection, kidney stones, cancer, etc.). Kidney cancer can be a silent disorder with symptoms occurring late into the disease process. Any blood in the urine should be referred to the physician for further testing (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, etc.).