Author Question: A patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is given 60 mEq over a 12-hour period, and a repeat ... (Read 69 times)

rl · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is given 60 mEq over a 12-hour period, and a repeat potassium level is obtained after the bolus. The current potassium level is 2.9 mEq/L. Which of the following should now be considered?

a. Stopping the patient's Aldactone
b. Drawing a serum magnesium level
c. Rechecking the potassium level
d. Monitoring the patient's urinary output

Question 2

The two most common causes of hospital-acquired pneumonia in the United States are

a. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
b. Escherichia coli and Haemophilus influenzae
c. methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
d. Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter spp.

xMRAZ · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
A total serum magnesium concentration below 1.5 mEq/L defines hypomagnesemia. It is commonly associated with other electrolyte imbalances, most notably alterations in potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Low serum magnesium levels can result from many causes.

Answer to Question 2

C
Pathogens that can cause health careassociated pneumonia are similar to those causing both community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being the most common in the United States. Pathogens that can cause HAP include Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, MRSA, Klebsiella spp., and Enterobacter spp.