A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Tingling of the lips
Hypoactive bowel sounds
Skeletal muscle weakness
Decreased deep-tendon reflexes
The Correct Answer is A
A) Tingling of the lips:
This is the correct choice. Hypocalcemia, which is low calcium levels in the blood, can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling sensations around the lips and in the extremities. This occurs due to the effect of low calcium levels on the nervous system.
B) Hypoactive bowel sounds:
Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular function rather than gastrointestinal function. While calcium imbalances can impact gastrointestinal motility, hypoactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypocalcemia.
C) Skeletal muscle weakness:
Skeletal muscle weakness is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels affect the ability of muscles to contract effectively, leading to weakness and fatigue.
D) Decreased deep-tendon reflexes:
Hypocalcemia can actually lead to increased deep-tendon reflexes rather than decreased reflexes. Calcium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission, and low levels can result in hyperexcitability of nerves, leading to increased reflexes rather than decreased reflexes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
(A) Document the rhythm as normal: Asystole is a serious condition characterized by a flatline ECG, indicating no electrical activity in the heart. It is not a normal rhythm and requires immediate intervention.
(B) Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): This is the most appropriate initial action. Asystole is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. The first step should be to start CPR and call for help.
(c) Prepare the patient for cardioversion: Cardioversion is typically used to treat conditions where the heart is beating irregularly (arrhythmias), but not when there is no electrical activity at all (asystole).
(D) Prepare to administer atropine: Atropine is sometimes used in the treatment of bradycardia (slow heart rate), not asystole. In the case of asystole, epinephrine is more commonly administered during resuscitation efforts.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
(A) Place the client in high-Fowler’s position and encourage the use of incentive spirometer and coughing: This is the most appropriate action. The high-Fowler’s position can help improve lung expansion and gas exchange, while the use of an incentive spirometer and coughing can help clear secretions and improve ventilation. This is particularly important for a client who is postoperative following an open thoracotomy.
(B) Switch oxygen to a nonrebreather mask: Switching to a nonrebreather mask may deliver a higher concentration of oxygen, but it does not address the underlying issue of impaired gas exchange due to decreased lung expansion and retained secretions.
(C) Position the client prone and have the respiratory therapist perform postural drainage: While postural drainage can help clear secretions, it may not be comfortable or safe for a client who is 1 day postoperative following an open thoracotomy.
(D) Increase oxygen to 70%: Increasing the oxygen concentration may improve the client’s oxygen saturation, but it does not address the underlying issue of impaired gas exchange due to decreased lung expansion and retained secretions. Furthermore, excessively high concentrations of oxygen can have harmful effects, such as oxygen toxicity or suppression of the respiratory drive in some clients.
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