A client's serum potassium level is approaching 7 mEq/L. Which physical assessment would the nurse prioritize based on this serum lab value?

Cardiac

Gastrointestinal

Respiratory

Neurologic

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac effects, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias such as bradycardia, heart block, ventricular tachycardia, or ventricular fibrillation. As potassium levels rise, it affects the electrical conduction of the heart, leading to changes in the ECG (electrocardiogram) and potentially causing fatal arrhythmias.

B. While hyperkalemia primarily affects the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal symptoms can also occur. These may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are typically less severe compared to cardiac manifestations. Monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms helps in assessing overall clinical status but is not as critical as assessing cardiac function in the context of hyperkalemia.

C. Respiratory symptoms are not typically associated with hyperkalemia unless severe acid-base disturbances are present. Potassium imbalance itself does not directly affect respiratory function. Therefore, while it is important to assess respiratory status in any client, it is not the priority in the context of hyperkalemia.

D. Hyperkalemia can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and even paralysis in severe cases. However, neurologic symptoms usually occur at higher potassium levels or in the presence of significant electrolyte imbalances affecting nerve function.

Monitoring for neurologic symptoms is important but is generally secondary to assessing cardiac status in the context of approaching severe hyperkalemia.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. Counting the radial pulse for 30 seconds and then multiplying the count by two gives an estimate of the client's heart rate per minute (bpm). This method is efficient and commonly used in clinical practice, especially if the client's pulse is regular.

A. Counting the radial pulse for two minutes is unnecessarily long and not standard practice. Typically, the radial pulse is counted for either 30 seconds or 60 seconds (one minute) to determine the client's heart rate. Multiplying the count by two for a 30-second count or directly using the count for a 60- second count provides the client's beats per minute (bpm).

B. The radial pulse is assessed by palpating the radial artery on the thumb side (or lateral side) of the client's wrist. The nurse places the index and middle fingers gently over the radial artery and applies light pressure to feel the pulse rhythm and rate.

C. Using the thumb to count the pulse is not recommended because the thumb has its own pulse, which could interfere with accurately assessing the client's radial pulse.

A. Bronchovesicular B. Vesicular C. Bronchial D. Crackles

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

B. Heard over most of the lung fields, except for the major bronchi and the trachea.

Low intensity and pitch, with a longer inspiratory phase than expiratory phase. They are softer and more breezy in quality. Vesicular breath sounds are heard over the peripheral lung fields, including the apex (top) of the lungs.

A. Heard over the major bronchi, which are near the sternum and between the scapulae. They are of intermediate intensity and pitch, with equal inspiration and expiration phases. They are typically heard in the 1st and 2nd intercostal spaces along the sternal border and between the scapulae.

C. Heard over the trachea and larynx.

Characteristics: High intensity and pitch, with a short inspiratory phase and a longer expiratory phase. They are louder and harsher in quality, resembling the sound of air blowing through a hollow pipe.

D. Crackles are abnormal breath sounds that can be fine or coarse.

Fine crackles are high-pitched, short, popping sounds heard during inspiration, often due to fluid in the small airways or alveoli.

Coarse crackles are loud, low-pitched, bubbling sounds heard during inspiration, typically due to the presence of secretions in the larger airways.

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A client's serum potassium level is approaching 7 mEq/L. Which physical assessment would the nurse prioritize based on this serum lab value?

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