Blood work reveals the following lab values for a client who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa: hemoglobin 9.6 g/dL, hemocrit 27%, potassium 2.7 mEq/L, sodium 126 mEq/L. The greatest danger…

The correct answer is B. Possible cardiac dysrhythmias secondary to hypokalemia. (A) There is no lab data to support hypoglycemia. (B) Hypokalemia, caused by vomiting and decreased dietary intake of potassium, can result in life-threatening dysrhythmias. (C) Evidence of dehydration is not life threatening at this time, although fluid volume deficit does…

Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential

Question

Blood work reveals the following lab values for a client who has been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa: hemoglobin 9.6 g/dL, hemocrit 27%, potassium 2.7 mEq/L, sodium 126 mEq/L. The greatest danger to her at this time is:

Options

AHypoglycemia from low-carbohydrate intake
BPossible cardiac dysrhythmias secondary to hypokalemia
CDehydration from vomiting
DAnoxia secondary to anemia

How the community answered

(32 responses)

A
16% (5)
B
50% (16)
C
6% (2)
D
28% (9)

Explanation

(A) There is no lab data to support hypoglycemia. (B) Hypokalemia, caused by vomiting and decreased dietary intake of potassium, can result in life-threatening dysrhythmias. (C) Evidence of dehydration is not life threatening at this time, although fluid volume deficit does need to be addressed. (D) The client's hemoglobin does not reflect a life threatening value sufficient to render the client

Topics

#hypokalemia#cardiac dysrhythmia#anorexia nervosa#electrolyte imbalance

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