Author Question: A patient is admitted to the unit for vitamin B12 deficiency. Which clinical finding would the nurse ... (Read 59 times)

jparksx · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is admitted to the unit for vitamin B12 deficiency. Which clinical finding would the nurse monitor in a patient taking cyanocobalamin for treatment of pernicious anemia?

a. Hyperkalemia
b. Hypokalemia
c. Hypocalcemia
d. Hypercalcemia

Question 2

A patient with a history of anemia who is 3 days postop is admitted to the unit for rehabilitation after a right ORIF.

Assessment reveals fatigue, pallor, pulse 102, blood pressure 100/51, respirations 20, and temperature 99 F. The nurse's immediate action should be to call the physician to obtain
a. stool tests for guaiac.
b. Hgb and Hct measurements.
c. a platelet count.
d. an order for hypertonic fluids.

kaylee05 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Hypokalemia may occur as a natural consequence of increased erythrocyte production. As large numbers of new erythrocytes are produced, levels of free potassium may fall, resulting in hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia, may occur as a consequence of increased erythrocyte production.
Monitoring of calcium is not indicated.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Given the patient's symptoms, and because the individual is postop, the risk for bleeding exists, and measurement of the hemoglobin and hematocrit is a good means of detecting this.
Stool tests for guaiac are not indicated unless GI bleeding is suspected.
A platelet count would be indicated, but not before measurement of Hgb and Hct, which are the best indicators of bleeding.
Hypertonic fluids are not indicated, although isotonic fluids may be indicated.