Question 1

The nurse is concerned that a client has a low calcium level. Which symptom caused the nurse to suspect that this client has severe hypocalcemia?&#10;A) Diarrhea&#10;B) Headaches&#10;C) Heart arrhythmias&#10;D) Increased blood glucose

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia affects muscle contraction and nerve conduction and can result in cardiac arrhythmias, muscle cramps, and numbness in the extremities and around the mouth. Tetany is the term used to describe the physical symptoms caused by low levels of calcium. Hypocalcemia does not cause diarrhea, headaches, or increased blood glucose.

Question 2

The nurse notes that a client is experiencing changes in sodium, potassium, and calcium regulation. Which mineral should the nurse suspect is causing this client's electrolyte imbalances?&#10;A) Iron&#10;B) Zinc&#10;C) Copper&#10;D) Magnesium

Accepted Answer

Magnesium is essential in the regulation of sodium, potassium, and calcium homeostasis in intracellular and extracellular fluids. Excess or deficiency of magnesium can lead to detrimental alterations of these minerals in the body. Iron, zinc, and copper and essential minerals and play an essential role in maintaining health.

Question 3

A client with a cardiac arrhythmia has a serum glucose level of 239 mg/dL. Which finding should the nurse expect when assessing this client? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Hypokalemia&#10;B) Hypocalcemia&#10;C) Hypernatremia&#10;D) Muscle weakness&#10;E) Minimal intake of fresh fruits and vegetables

Accepted Answer

Clients with low levels of serum potassium have hypokalemia. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium. Clients with hypokalemia are more likely to experience cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, increased serum glucose levels, and increased amounts of calcium present in their urine. Clients with hypocalcemia are more likely to experience seizures and tetany. Clients with hypernatremia are more likely to develop hypertension.
Clients with low levels of serum potassium have hypokalemia. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium. Clients with hypokalemia are more likely to experience cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, increased serum glucose levels, and increased amounts of calcium present in their urine. Clients with hypocalcemia are more likely to experience seizures and tetany. Clients with hypernatremia are more likely to develop hypertension.
Clients with low levels of serum potassium have hypokalemia. Fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of potassium. Clients with hypokalemia are more likely to experience cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, increased serum glucose levels, and increased amounts of calcium present in their urine. Clients with hypocalcemia are more likely to experience seizures and tetany. Clients with hypernatremia are more likely to develop hypertension.

Question 4

The nurse prepares dietary teaching for an older client with Crohn disease. For which mineral should the nurse suggest the client increase the intake of green leafy vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts?

A) Iron
B) Zinc
C) Copper
D) Magnesium

Accepted Answer

Green leafy vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts are good dietary sources of magnesium. Low levels of magnesium in the plasma can lead to neuromuscular hyper excitability resulting in cardiac arrhythmias and muscular contractions. Iron, zinc, and copper are trace minerals. Iron is available from animal sources such as red meat, poultry, and fish but not from in plant food. Zinc can be found in oysters, red meats, wheat germ, wheat bran, and cereals fortified with zinc. Organ meats, seafood, and nuts are good dietary sources of copper.

Question 5

An infant in the NICU with acrodermatitis enteropathica is experiencing a scaly rash and failure to thrive. Which trace mineral should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this client?&#10;A) Zinc&#10;B) Iron&#10;C) Copper&#10;D) Selenium

Accepted Answer

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a congenital zinc deficiency that usually presents in infants as scaly rash, alopecia, and failure to thrive. Treatment is supplemental zinc in amounts equivalent to 3 mg/kg of body weight. Copper, selenium, and iron are other essential trace minerals needed to maintain health.

Question 6

An adolescent is prescribed fluoride because of issues with water in the home. For which reason should the nurse instruct the client to avoid taking the fluoride supplement with calcium?&#10;A) Increases fluoride absorption&#10;B) Increases calcium absorption&#10;C) Decreases fluoride absorption&#10;D) Decreases calcium absorption

Accepted Answer

Co-administration of calcium and fluoride can result in 10-25% decreased absorption of fluoride since they compete for the same binding sites. Inadequate fluoride has been shown to increase the risk for dental caries. Calcium is needed to maintain bone mineral density, and decreased levels could lead to osteoporosis.

Question 7

The nurse notes that a client follows a strict vegetarian diet. For which deficiency should the nurse assess this client?&#10;A) Copper&#10;B) Sodium&#10;C) Calcium&#10;D) Magnesium

Accepted Answer

Clients following a strict vegetarian diet are at risk for developing calcium deficiency. Sodium is a common additive in many foods and usually found abundantly in the diet. Magnesium is found in many vegetables. Organ meats, seafood, and nuts are good sources of copper.

Question 8

The nurse discusses the potential for hypocalcemia with a client who is postmenopausal. For which potential health problem should the nurse caution the client to avoid long-term caffeine intake?&#10;A) Hair loss&#10;B) Skin rashes&#10;C) Fluid retention&#10;D) Urinary loss of calcium

Accepted Answer

Increased calcium excretion through short-term urinary losses associated with long-term high caffeine intake has been associated with bone mineral density loss in older females. Edema is associated by sodium retention. Alopecia, or hair loss, and dermatitis are associated with zinc deficiency.

Question 9

The nurse prepares dietary teaching for an older client with Crohn disease. For which mineral should the nurse suggest the client increase the intake of green leafy vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts?

A) Iron
B) Zinc
C) Copper
D) Magnesium

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Accepted Answer

One cup of tea can reduce iron absorption by 50-60% when consumed within one hour of an iron source. Tea will not cause increased urinary loss of iron. An alkaline gastric environment will reduce iron absorbability because the iron is not converted to the more readily absorbed form that requires an acidic environment.

Question 10

A client is experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. Which deficiency should the nurse suspect in this client?&#10;A) Iron&#10;B) Zinc&#10;C) Sodium&#10;D) Potassium

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency results in anemia, and can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and tachycardia. Symptoms of potassium deficiency include cardiac arrhythmias and muscle cramps. Zinc deficiency is more likely to include symptoms of rash or hair loss. Sodium excess can cause shortness of breath due to a fluid overload but does not cause tachycardia or fatigue. Sodium deficiency is uncommon.

Question 11

A toddler is diagnosed with zinc and manganese deficiencies. For which health problem should the nurse assess this toddler?&#10;A) Pica&#10;B) Anemia&#10;C) Dental caries&#10;D) Slowed growth

Accepted Answer

The answer of A toddler is diagnosed with zinc and...

Question 12

An older female client is diagnosed with osteopenia. On which mineral should the nurse focus when assessing this client's diet?&#10;A) Iron&#10;B) Calcium&#10;C) Selenium&#10;D) Potassium

Accepted Answer

The answer of An older female client is diagnosed with...

Question 13

A client has a potassium level of 3.2 mmol/L. What should the nurse expect when assessing this client? (Select all that apply.)&#10;A) Hypotension&#10;B) Normal sinus rhythm&#10;C) Increased serum calcium levels&#10;D) Complaints of muscle weakness&#10;E) Serum glucose level of 225 mg/dL

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client has a potassium level of...

Question 14

The nurse prepares an educational seminar on mineral deficiencies. Which client population should the nurse emphasize as having the greatest risk for this health problem?&#10;A) Poor financial status&#10;B) Children who are picky eaters&#10;C) Adolescents on vegetarian diets&#10;D) Diseases associated with malabsorption

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse prepares an educational seminar on...

Question 15

The nurse prepares to assess for the Trousseau and Chvostek signs in a client. For which health problem is the nurse assessing this client?&#10;A) Anemia&#10;B) Hypokalemia&#10;C) Hypocalcemia&#10;D) Hypophosphatemia

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse prepares to assess for the...

Question 16

A client seeks medical attention for lethargy, weight gain, and a mass under the throat. Which question should the nurse ask when assessing this client?&#10;A) &#34;Have you had this mass since birth?&#34;&#10;B) &#34;Do you have a history of thyroid cancer?&#34;&#10;C) &#34;Do you include regular table salt in your diet?&#34;&#10;D) &#34;Does anyone else in your family have this problem?&#34;

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client seeks medical attention for lethargy,...

Deck 7: Minerals