Author Question: A patient is suspected of having severe hypocalcemia. While waiting for the patient's serum ... (Read 71 times)

WWatsford · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient is suspected of having severe hypocalcemia. While waiting for the patient's serum electrolyte results, the nurse will assess for which symptoms? (Select all that apply.)

a. Laryngeal spasms
b. Fatigue
c. Muscle weakness
d. Nausea and vomiting
e. Numbness of fingers
f. Twitching of the mouth

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who is ordered to take nothing by mouth. The patient weighs 65 kg. What volume of intravenous fluid should this patient receive in 24 hours?

a. 2225 mL
b. 2400 mL
c. 2520 mL
d. 2640 mL

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, E, F
Patients who have hypocalcemia will exhibit laryngeal spasms, numbness of fingers, and twitching of the mouth. The other symptoms are not characteristic of hypocalcemia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Fluid maintenance needs for the NPO patient are calculated as 4 mL/kg/h for the first 10 kg of weight, 2 mL/kg/h for the second 10 kg of weight, and 1 mL/kg/h for every kg of weight thereafter. This patient's fluid needs are (10 kg 4 mL) + (10 kg 2 mL) + (45 kg 1 mL) = 105 mL/h. The 24-hour total is 105 mL/h 24 h = 2,520 mL.