Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 85%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
NG tube drainage causes significant potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Magnesium and sodium elevations are less likely, and calcium may decrease but is less critical.