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NCLEX Question of the Day
Review the question, check the correct answer, and read the rationale before tomorrow's prompt arrives.
A client with severe diarrhea has the following lab values: Na 148 mEq/L, K 3.0 mEq/L, Cl 110 mEq/L. The nurse should be most concerned about the:
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Correct answer Potassium level
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Sodium level
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Chloride level
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White blood cell count
Rationale
The client's potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5-5.0 mEq/L, indicating hypokalemia. Severe diarrhea can lead to excessive potassium loss.
Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The sodium and chloride levels, while slightly elevated, are less concerning than the low potassium. The question does not provide any information about the white blood cell count.
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