Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 68%
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
When a client with an ileus is placed on intestinal tube suction, the primary electrolyte lost is sodium chloride. Duodenal intestinal fluid contains potassium (K+), sodium (Na+), and bicarbonate. Suctioning is done to remove excess fluids, leading to a decrease in the client's sodium chloride levels. Therefore, options A, B, and C are incorrect as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are not the primary electrolytes lost during intestinal suction in a client with an ileus.