Question

A client is admitted to the hospital with severe vomiting for the last 24 hours. The client feels exhausted and c/o muscle weakness. The EKG monitor shows flat T waves. Choose the most likely serum K+ value for this client. (Normal K+3.5-5.5).

a) 8.9 m.Eq/liter

b) 4.6 mEq/liter

c) 5.0 mEq/liter

d)2.0 mEq/liter

2) the nurse is caring for a client who has a temperature of 103.6 degree and has been diaphoretic for the past four hours. The highest priority intervention is to

a) keep the Emesis basin within reach

b) change the bed linens frequently

c) offer oral care every four hours

d) place the client on a bed

an every four hours.

Answer 1

# severe vomiting, exhaustion and muscle weakness are all caused by low levels potassium in body known as hypokalemia. The normal level of potassium is 3.5 - 5.5 mEq/L. So client should have serum potassium values below 3.5 mEq/L to be considered as hypokalemia.
So the answer is 2.0 mEq/L

2. Diaphoresis is the excessive sweating seen in patients due to conditions such as fever. If the patient has fever and diaphoretic, the bed linen will frequently get moist. Moist bed linens can cause skin breakdown due to constant friction and promotes bacterial growth.
So the bed linens should be changed frequently.
Answer : b) change the bed linens frequently