Author Question: The adult client has had serum electrolyte levels drawn. The nurse receiving the results by ... (Read 34 times)

asan beg · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The adult client has had serum electrolyte levels drawn. The nurse receiving the results by telephone from the laboratory would be most concerned with which of the following results?

1. Sodium level, 142 mEq/L
2. Chloride level, 103 mEq/L
3. Potassium level, 5.4 mEq/L
4. Bicarbonate level, 24 mEq/L

Question 2

The nurse reinforces instructions to the mother of a child diagnosed with pediculosis (head lice). Permethrin 1 (Nix) has been prescribed.

Which of the following statements, if made by the mother regarding the use of the medication, indicates a need for further education? 1. I need to purchase the medication from the pharmacy.
2. After rinsing out the medication, I need to avoid washing my child's hair for 24 hours.
3. I need to shampoo my child's hair, apply the medication, and leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse it out.
4. I need to shampoo my child's hair, apply the medication, and leave the medica-tion on for 24 hours.

firehawk60 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

3

Rationale: The normal adult ranges of serum electrolyte levels are sodium, 136 to 145 mEq/L; potassium, 3.5 to 5.1 mEq/L; chloride, 98 to 106 mEq/L; and bicarbonate (venous), 22 to 30 mEq/L. The only abnormal value identified above is the serum potassium level, which would be the one of most concern to the nurse because of potential cardiac arrhythmias.

Answer to Question 2

4

Rationale: Nix is an over-the-counter antilice product that kills both lice and eggs with one ap-plication and has residual activity for 10 days. It is applied to the hair after shampooing and left for 10 minutes before rinsing out. The hair should not be shampooed for 24 hours after the rins-ing treatment.