A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. The provider prescribes polystyrene sulfonate. If this medication is effective, the nurse should expect which of the following changes on the client's ECG?
Restoration of QRS Complex amplitude.
Shortening of P-wave duration.
Widening of the QRS complex.
Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D: Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
Choice A rationale:
The amplitude of the QRS complex is not directly affected by changes in serum potassium levels. It represents ventricular depolarization, and its restoration would not be an expected outcome of polystyrene sulfonate treatment
Choice B rationale:
Shortening of the P-wave duration is not an expected change with polystyrene sulfonate treatment. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, which is not significantly impacted by the administration of this medication
Choice C rationale:
Widening of the QRS complex is associated with high serum potassium levels. The goal of polystyrene sulfonate treatment is to lower potassium levels and, thus, return the QRS complex to its normal width
Choice D rationale:
Polystyrene sulfonate aims to reduce serum potassium levels. When effective, this should result in a reduction of T-wave amplitude, which is a common ECG change seen with hyperkalemia
In conclusion, choice D is the correct answer, as a reduction in T-wave amplitude would be the expected change on the client's ECG if polystyrene sulfonate effectively lowers their serum potassium level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Extracellular fluid deficit.
Choice A rationale:
Intracellular fluid deficit is a decrease in the fluid inside the cells, which may occur in conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Severe burns are more likely to cause extracellular fluid shifts rather than intracellular fluid deficits.
Choice B rationale:
Interstitial fluid deficit involves a decrease in fluid in the interstitial spaces between cells. While burns can lead to fluid shifts, the primary concern is fluid loss from the vascular space (extracellular fluid).
Choice C rationale:
Intracellular fluid overload is not a typical health problem associated with severe burns. Burn injuries are more likely to cause fluid loss and shifts out of the intracellular space.
Choice D rationale:
Severe burns can result in significant loss of plasma and extracellular fluid, leading to hypovolemia and extracellular fluid deficit. This fluid loss can lead to hypovolemic shock and other complications if not adequately managed.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Sodium 155 mEq/L. Choice A rationale:
A urine specific gravity of 1.035 indicates concentrated urine and is consistent with fluid volume deficit. However, it is not the most specific finding for this condition.
Choice B rationale:
A BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 19 mg/dL can be a normal value. It is within the reference range (usually around 7-20 mg/dL) and does not provide specific information about fluid volume deficit.
Choice C rationale:
A hematocrit of 44.9% can also be within the normal range for some individuals, and while it can be elevated in cases of fluid volume deficit, it is not as sensitive as other parameters for detecting this condition.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct answer because a sodium level of 155 mEq/L is elevated and indicates hypernatremia, which is associated with fluid volume deficit. Hypernatremia occurs when there is a relative lack of water in relation to the sodium concentration in the blood, and it can lead to dehydration
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