ATI PN Custom Fall 2023 Term 2 Exam 3

ATI PN Custom Fall 2023 Term 2 Exam 3 ( 49 Questions)

Question 17 :
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A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN): glucose 72 mg/dL, chloride 100 mEq/L, sodium 138 mEq/L, and potassium 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer: B

Choice A rationale:

Checking for a positive Chvostek’s sign is not relevant. This sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not with the lab values provided.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should request a potassium replacement. The normal range for potassium is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L. A level of 3.0 mEq/L is low, indicating hypokalemia.

Choice C rationale:

Administering glucagon IM is not appropriate. The glucose level is within the normal range (70-110 mg/dL), so there is no need for glucagon.

Choice D rationale:

Discontinuing the TPN infusion is not the first action. The nurse should address the abnormal lab value (low potassium) first.




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