Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
A client with an ileus is placed on intestinal tube suction. Which of the following electrolytes is lost with intestinal suction?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is sodium chloride. Duodenal intestinal fluid is rich in potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), and bicarbonate. When suctioning is used to remove excess fluids due to ileus, it results in the loss of sodium chloride (NaCl) leading to decreased sodium (Na+) levels. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because calcium, magnesium, and potassium are not typically lost in significant amounts through intestinal tube suction in the context of treating ileus.