A nurse is collecting data from a client who has heart failure and takes chlorothiazide sodium. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as indicating hypokalemia?
Restlessness
Hyperactive bowel sounds
Decreased deep-tendon reflexes
Bounding peripheral pulses
The Correct Answer is C
A. Restlessness:
Restlessness is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, it may indicate anxiety, discomfort, or other factors unrelated to electrolyte imbalances.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are often associated with increased gastrointestinal motility, which may occur in conditions such as diarrhea or gastroenteritis. While electrolyte imbalances can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms, hyperactive bowel sounds are not specific to hypokalemia.
C. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes:
Hypokalemia can lead to decreased deep-tendon reflexes due to its effects on nerve conduction. Potassium is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, and low levels can impair reflexes.
D. Bounding peripheral pulses:
Bounding peripheral pulses are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, they may indicate increased cardiac output or volume overload, which can occur in conditions such as heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) Heart murmur: This is the most appropriate answer. Mitral valve stenosis can cause a heart murmur due to turbulent blood flow across the narrowed mitral valve. This is often heard best at the apex of the heart with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position.
(B) Clubbing of the fingers: Clubbing of the fingers is typically associated with conditions that cause chronic hypoxia, such as lung disease or congenital heart disease. It is not a common finding in mitral valve stenosis.
(C) Bradycardia: Mitral valve stenosis does not typically cause bradycardia. In fact, some patients may have a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) due to atrial fibrillation, which is a common complication of mitral valve stenosis.
(D) Barrel chest: A barrel chest is typically associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is not a common finding in mitral valve stenosis. It refers to a rounded, bulging chest that resembles the shape of a barrel. This occurs due to overinflation of the lungs over a long period of time.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) who reports chest pain radiating to the jaw: This patient should be evaluated first. Chest pain radiating to the jaw can be a sign of a heart attack, which is a life-threatening condition. Immediate medical attention is required to prevent further damage to the heart muscle.
B. A patient with venous insufficiency with 2+ pitting edema: While this patient’s condition needs to be addressed, it is not as immediately life-threatening as a potential heart attack. Venous insufficiency and edema can lead to discomfort and complications if left untreated, but these complications are typically not immediate.
C. A patient receiving enoxaparin (Lovenox) for experiencing an MI 3 days ago: This patient is already receiving treatment for their condition. While they should be monitored for side effects of the medication and signs of further cardiac issues, they are not the highest priority based on the information given.
D. A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) with a diminished pulse: While a diminished pulse can indicate poor blood flow, which can lead to complications such as tissue damage and non-healing wounds, it is not as immediately life-threatening as a potential heart attack. This patient should be evaluated, but they are not the highest priority based on the information given.
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