A nurse is caring for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse associate with hypokalemia?
Hyperventilation
Bradypnea
Syncope
U waves on electrocardiogram
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis or anxiety rather than hypokalemia. Hypokalemia does not typically cause hyperventilation.
B. Bradypnea: Bradypnea (slow breathing) is not a common finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can affect muscle function, including respiratory muscles, but bradypnea is not a characteristic sign.
C. Syncope: While syncope (fainting) can occur due to various conditions, it is not a specific or common finding directly associated with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia mainly affects the heart and muscles.
D. U waves on electrocardiogram: U waves are a classic electrocardiogram (ECG) finding associated with hypokalemia. These waves appear after the T wave and are indicative of the electrolyte imbalance affecting cardiac repolarization.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is more commonly associated with hyperventilation and is not directly linked to the physiological effects of a tension pneumothorax, where the primary concern is intrathoracic pressure changes.
B. Increased venous return: In tension pneumothorax, intrathoracic pressure increases significantly, compressing the great vessels and the heart, leading to decreased venous return, not an increase.
C. Decreased cardiac output: Tension pneumothorax causes a rise in intrathoracic pressure, which compresses the heart and great vessels, leading to decreased venous return and, consequently, reduced cardiac output. This is a critical finding and requires immediate intervention.
D. Dilated ventricles: Ventricular dilation is generally associated with chronic heart conditions, not acute issues like tension pneumothorax, where decreased filling pressures are more of a concern than dilation.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
A. Repeat blood serum potassium: While it’s important to monitor potassium levels, the immediate priority when preparing to administer potassium is ensuring safe administration practices, not rechecking levels before initiating therapy.
B. Educate client regarding high-potassium food sources: Client education is important for long-term management but is not a priority when preparing for intravenous potassium replacement in an acute setting.
C. Cardiac monitoring during infusion: Potassium affects cardiac conduction, and rapid correction can lead to arrhythmias. Continuous cardiac monitoring is necessary to detect any life-threatening arrhythmias during the infusion.
D. Ensure that the client's urine output is at least 1 mL/kg/hour: Adequate urine output ensures that the kidneys are functioning and capable of excreting excess potassium, reducing the risk of hyperkalemia.
E. Ensure potassium infusion is prepared with 5% dextrose solution: Potassium should not be mixed with dextrose, as it can increase insulin release, causing potassium to shift into cells and worsen hypokalemia.
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