Asked by Hannah Thompson on May 07, 2024
Verified
A patient has the following laboratory values: sodium level,145 mmol/L (145 mEq/L) ;potassium level,4.5 mmol/L (4.5 mEq/L) ;calcium level,1.05 mmol/L (4.5 mg/dL) .What would the nurse expect to find in the assessment?
A) Lightheadedness when the patient stands up.
B) Weak quadriceps muscles.
C) Tingling of the extremities and tetany.
D) Decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Sodium Level
The concentration of sodium ions in the blood, important for maintaining fluid balance in the body.
Potassium Level
The measure of potassium concentration in the blood, essential for maintaining normal cell function.
Calcium Level
The concentration of calcium in the blood, important for various bodily functions such as bone health, muscle contractions, and blood clotting.
- Interpret laboratory values to assess patient conditions.
Verified Answer
JP
Jewel PerryMay 08, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
This patient has hypocalcemia;the normal calcium range is 2.25 to 2.75 mmol/L (8.4 to 10.5 mg/dL).Sodium and potassium values are within their normal ranges (sodium,135 to 145 mmol/L [135 to 145 mEq/L];potassium,3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L]).Hypocalcemia causes muscle tetany,Trousseau's sign,and tingling of the extremities.Lightheadedness when a patient stands up is a manifestation of ECV deficit or sometimes hypokalemia.Weak quadriceps muscles are associated with potassium imbalances.Decreased deep tendon reflexes are related to hypercalcemia or hypermagnesemia.
Learning Objectives
- Interpret laboratory values to assess patient conditions.