Question

1. The nurse is caring for a frail elderlyn caring for a frail elderly patient who was discovered on the bedroom floor having la two days earlier. On reviewing the patient's laboratory results, the nurse realizes that she must notify the provider immediately about which result? A. Magnesium (Mg) 1.9mEq/L B. Potassium (K) 6.6 mEq/L C. Calcium (Ca+) 9.8 mg/dL D. Sodium (Na+) 135 mEq/L 2. A patient with asthma is brought by ambulance to the ER with altered level of consciousness and extreme dyspnea. He is prescribed respiratory therapy, which is to begin after a STAT arterial blood gas (ABG) is drawn. The blood gas results are: PH 7.31, PaCO2 47mmHg, HCO3 23 mEq/L and PO2 78. What is the patient's condition? A. Respiratory acidosis B. Respiratory alkalosis C. Metabolic acidosis D. Metabolic alkalosis 3. A patient arrives at the ER with complaints of vomiting and diarrhea over the past 2-3 days Upon assessment you note patient's has tachycardia, a weak pulse and is confused. What condition is associated with this patients symptoms? A. Hypoglycemia B. Dehydration C. Dementia D. Cardiogenic shock 4. When assessing your patient, you notice that there is a contraction of her facial muscle after tapping the facial nerve anterior to her ear. What is this a sign of? A. Hyponatremia B. Hypokalemia C. Hypomagnesemia D. Hypocalcemia 5. A patient in the ER has an ABG ordered. The patient is very anxious and asks the nurse why the doctor has ordered this test. The best response by the nurse would be? A. To determine how well your lungs are functioning. B. To determine your level of hydration. C. To determine how well your kidneys are functioning. D. To determine the acid base balance and oxygenation status of your blood.

Answer 1

1) Option B is correct. Potassium is an essential minerals in the body helps in muscle contractions, helps myocardial contractility and nerve functions. Normal potassium value in blood ranges from 3.5-5.0 MEq /L . In this scenario serum potassium levels is 6.6 MEq/ L indicates severe hyperkalemia.

2) Option A. An arterial blood gas test measures amount of oxygen and CO2. It is done to understand the functioning of lungs and kidneys. The component PH is acid base balance Normal value ranges from 7.35 to 7.45 .Paco2 is partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood ranges from 35-45 mmHG. Pao2 is partial pressure of oxygen 80-100 mmHg Hco3 is bicarbonate the normal value ranges from 22-26. In the above given situation patients Paco2 level is 47 mm Hg that shows Respiratory Acidosis.

3) Option B dehydration. Client suffers vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days that ultimately ends up with dehydration. Fluid losses secondary to vomiting and diarrhea causes rapid heart rate and drop in blood pressure makes to experience light headedness progressively altering mental status.

4) Option D. Arterial blood gas analysis is to determine acid base balance and oxygen status.