Question

A client presents with gastric pain, vomiting, dehydration, weakness, lethargy, and shallow respirations. laboratory results indicate metabolic alkalosis. the diagnosis of gastric ulcer has been made. what is the primary nursing concern? multiple choice question

Answer 1

The choices are:
a. Chronic pain 
b. Risk for injury 
c. Electrolyte imbalance 
d. Inadequate gas exchange

The right answer is the electrolyte imbalance.
There's no risk of chronic pain nor injuries. The respiratory exchanges exams were already done in the lab since the metabolic alkalosis was found, it could not be done again.
The major risk is hypokalemia, it may cause severe neuromuscular hyperexcitability, that's why the primary concern is the electrolyte imbalance to see if there's hypokalemia that need to be corrected.