A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Muscle twitching

Bounding pulse

Hypertension

Decreased bowel sounds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching, also known as tetany, is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching. This is a key clinical sign that helps in diagnosing hypocalcemia.
B) Bounding pulse:
A bounding pulse is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Instead, it is more often seen in conditions such as fluid overload or hyperdynamic circulatory states, where there is increased cardiac output or vascular volume.
C) Hypertension:
Hypertension is not a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause hypotension due to its effect on cardiac contractility and vascular tone, rather than causing high blood pressure.
D) Decreased bowel sounds:
Decreased bowel sounds are not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia affects neuromuscular function, but it typically causes increased gastrointestinal motility rather than decreased motility, which would lead to hyperactive bowel sounds rather than decreased ones.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate (HCO3). In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, which supports alkalosis, but the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L. The PaCO2 is slightly low, which is not typical for metabolic alkalosis, as it would usually show an elevated HCO3 with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis.

B) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH and an elevated PaCO2. In this case, the pH is high at 7.6, indicating alkalosis, and the PaCO2 is also low at 30 mm Hg, which is inconsistent with respiratory acidosis.

C) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH with a low PaCO2. Here, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the PaCO2 is decreased at 30 mm Hg, which fits the profile of respiratory alkalosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests that the bicarbonate is not compensating, supporting a primary respiratory alkalosis.

D) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3. In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L, which does not align with metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is also low, which is not typical for metabolic acidosis, as it would usually have a normal or high PaCO2.

A. Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management. B. Administer potassium supplements. C. Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride. D. Chek for improvements in the client's level of consciousness.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management: While it is important to assess the client’s understanding of diabetes management to prevent future hyperglycemic episodes, this is not the immediate priority. The client's current hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state needs urgent intervention to stabilize their condition before educational measures can be effective.

B) Administer potassium supplements: Potassium supplementation may be necessary, especially if the client is hypokalemic, but it is not the first action. Electrolyte levels should be monitored and corrected as part of the treatment, but the initial priority is to address the severe dehydration and hyperglycemia.

C) Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride: This is the most critical first step. Clients in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state are typically severely dehydrated due to osmotic diuresis. Initiating a continuous infusion of isotonic saline helps to restore intravascular volume, improve perfusion, and stabilize hemodynamics, which is essential before addressing other issues.

D) Check for improvements in the client's level of consciousness: Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is important as it provides information about their neurological status and response to treatment. However, this is a subsequent action after initiating fluid resuscitation, which directly addresses the immediate life-threatening aspects of the hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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