A patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension reports generalized weakness. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the patient about loose stools. Generalized weakness in a patient taking a potassium-wasting diuretic may indicate hypokalemia, which can be caused by excessive potassium loss through the kidneys. Loose stools can contribute to potassium loss. By asking about loose stools, the nurse can assess for potential potassium depletion and take appropriate action, such as monitoring potassium levels, adjusting medication dosage, or recommending dietary changes. Incorrect choices: A: Assess for facial muscle spasms - This is not directly related to generalized weakness in this context. C: Recommend the patient avoid drinking orange juice with meals - Orange juice is a good source of potassium and avoiding it may exacerbate potassium deficiency. D: Suggest that the health care provider order a basic metabolic panel - While this may provide information on electrolyte levels, directly addressing the potential cause of potassium loss through loose stools is more appropriate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the patient's health care provider. The patient's unresponsiveness and decreased deep tendon reflexes could be indicative of hypermagnesemia from excessive intake of magnesium-containing antacids like Maalox. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to address the potential overdose and adjust the patient's treatment plan. Drawing a potassium level (choice B) is not the priority in this situation. Reviewing the last magnesium level on the chart (choice C) may provide some information but does not address the immediate need for intervention. Teaching the patient about magnesium-containing antacids (choice D) can be done later, but the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and well-being by involving the healthcare provider promptly.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a reliable 24-hour urine collection is essential for accurately determining GFR or creatinine clearance. Without a complete and accurate urine collection over 24 hours, the results will be inaccurate. Choice B is incorrect because alternative methods, such as estimating GFR using equations, can be used if a 24-hour urine collection is not possible. Choice C is incorrect because BUN is not a direct measure of GFR or creatinine clearance. Choice D is incorrect because an elevated BUN/creatinine ratio is not typically used to determine GFR or creatinine clearance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: notify the provider immediately. A bruit is a normal sound heard over an arteriovenous fistula, indicating proper blood flow. The absence of a bruit may suggest a clot or blockage, which can lead to serious complications. Notifying the provider promptly allows for timely intervention to prevent further issues. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not address the potential seriousness of the situation. Choice C is incorrect as raising the arm may temporarily change blood flow but does not address the underlying cause of the absent bruit.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because sudden changes in a patient's condition during peritoneal dialysis could indicate neurological issues like infection or intracranial bleeding. Evaluating the patient's neurological status will help identify any potential complications that require immediate intervention. Assessing peritoneal dialysate return (B) is important but not the priority in this situation. Checking blood sugar (C) is relevant for diabetic patients but not specifically indicated here. Choice A does not provide any specific action and lacks relevance to the situation.