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. Before administering a cleansing enema, the client is typically instructed to assume a left-side lying position with the right knee bent. This position helps to facilitate the flow of the enema solution into the colon and allows for better retention of the solution. It also helps to prevent leakage and discomfort during the procedure.

A. Drinking water before administering an enema can help hydrate the client and promote normal bowel function. However, it is not typically a specific instruction related to the administration of the enema itself. Hydration is generally beneficial for bowel health but is not directly related to the enema procedure.

B. After administering the enema solution, the client should be instructed to hold the solution in the bowel for a sufficient amount of time to allow it to soften and loosen stool. The exact duration can vary based on the type and purpose of the enema, but typically, the client is encouraged to retain the solution for a specified period (as instructed by the healthcare provider) before evacuating.

C. This instruction is unrelated to the administration of a cleansing enema. Breathing techniques may be taught for relaxation or to manage discomfort during procedures, but they do not specifically apply to the process of administering an enema.

A. strain all of the client's urine. B. inflate a blood pressure cuff 20 mmHg above systolic measurement. C. lightly percuss the client's cheek. D. obtain a baseline height and weight.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C. Chvostek's sign is assessed by tapping or lightly percussing the facial nerve (facial muscles) at the angle of the jaw, just in front of the earlobe. A positive Chvostek's sign is indicated by facial twitching, especially around the mouth, nose, and eye, in response to this percussion. It indicates neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.

A. Straining urine is typically done to collect urine for analysis or to detect urinary stones. It does not relate to the assessment of neuromuscular irritability, which is what Chvostek's sign evaluates.

B. This option does not pertain to assessing Chvostek's sign either. Inflating a blood pressure cuff above systolic measurement is a technique used to assess for Trousseau's sign, which is another clinical indicator of hypocalcemia but involves different physiological mechanisms than Chvostek's sign.

D. This option is unrelated to assessing Chvostek's sign or hypocalcemia. Baseline height and weight are typically obtained for nutritional assessment, growth monitoring, or as part of a general health assessment. They do not help in evaluating neuromuscular irritability associated with calcium levels.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is prescribed a cleansing enema. Prior to administering the enema, the client should be told to:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with a total calcium level of 7.0 mg/dL. To assess for Chvostek's sign, the nurse would:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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