With severe diarrhea, electrolytes as well as fluids are lost. What electrolyte imbalance is indicated in Ms. CC’s decreased muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypocalcemia. Severe diarrhea can lead to electrolyte imbalances, including low calcium levels. Decreased muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes are classic signs of hypocalcemia. Calcium is essential for proper muscle function and nerve transmission. Hypernatremia (A) is high sodium levels, not related to decreased muscle tone. Hyperchloremia (B) is high chloride levels, not associated with muscle tone changes. Hypokalemia (C) is low potassium levels, which can cause muscle weakness but not specifically decreased muscle tone and deep tendon reflexes like hypocalcemia.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Daily intake and output. Monitoring fluid balance involves tracking the amount of fluids taken in and expelled from the body. Intake includes oral, IV, and tube feedings, while output includes urine, vomitus, diarrhea, and any other fluid losses. Daily intake and output provide a comprehensive view of a patient's fluid status, helping identify trends and potential issues. Vital signs (B) provide general information but not specific to fluid balance. Daily weight (C) can fluctuate due to various factors, not just fluid status. Skin turgor (D) is a late sign of dehydration and not as reliable as intake and output monitoring.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Secure the cannula with tape. This is the last step in inserting an IV cannula to ensure it stays in place and prevents dislodgement or movement. Securing the cannula with tape helps maintain proper positioning and prevents accidental removal. Documenting the insertion site, date, and type of cannula used (B) is important but typically done earlier in the process. Assessing the site (C) should be done before securing the cannula to ensure proper placement. Placing a sterile dressing over the insertion site (D) is also important, but it usually comes before securing the cannula with tape to maintain a clean and sterile environment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased comfort. Radiation therapy for lung cancer aims to alleviate symptoms, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. It is not typically used as a curative treatment like surgery or chemotherapy (A). It does not prevent the need for oxygen (B), as lung cancer can still affect lung function. While radiation therapy may help control the growth of cancer cells, it is not always effective in preventing cancer spread (D). Therefore, the most appropriate expectation of radiation therapy for lung cancer is increased comfort for the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In bronchiectasis, worsening cough with position changes is an assessment finding due to increased sputum production and airway obstruction. This occurs because of the pooling of secretions in the affected bronchi. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in bronchiectasis, there is typically increased sputum production over time, productive cough with expectoration of large amounts of sputum, and cough that worsens with activity or physical exertion, rather than with position changes.