A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is receiving intermittent parenteral potassium chloride. Which of the following conditions should the nurse recognize as an indication for this medication?
Seizures
Kidney transplant
Arrythmia
Endocarditis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Seizures: Seizures are not an indication for potassium chloride administration. While severe electrolyte imbalances can contribute to seizures, potassium replacement is specifically indicated for low potassium levels rather than seizure management.
B. Kidney transplant: Kidney transplant patients may require careful electrolyte monitoring, but potassium chloride is not automatically indicated unless hypokalemia is present. Administration is based on lab values, not transplant status alone.
C. Arrhythmia: Hypokalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias due to altered myocardial excitability. Potassium chloride is administered to correct low potassium levels and help prevent or treat arrhythmias.
D. Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves and is treated with antibiotics. Potassium chloride does not play a role in treating bacterial infections or inflammation of the heart.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I have vomited several times.": Vomiting can be a side effect of penicillin, but it is usually manageable and not immediately life-threatening unless severe dehydration occurs.
B. "I am having diarrhea.": Mild diarrhea is a common side effect of antibiotics. It is important to monitor for signs of C. difficile infection, but occasional loose stools are not immediately critical.
C. "I am having trouble swallowing.": Difficulty swallowing may indicate oropharyngeal edema, which can be a sign of a severe allergic reaction to penicillin. This requires immediate attention as it can progress to airway obstruction.
D. "My skin feels itchy all over.": Generalized itching may indicate a mild allergic reaction. While it should be monitored, it is less urgent than symptoms suggesting airway compromise.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Decreased white blood cells: Erythropoietin specifically stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. White blood cell counts are not directly affected by this medication, so a decrease would not indicate effectiveness.
B. Increased calcium: Calcium levels are unrelated to erythropoietin therapy. Changes in calcium do not reflect the medication’s ability to stimulate erythropoiesis.
C. Increased hemoglobin: Erythropoietin promotes red blood cell production, which increases hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. An elevation in hemoglobin indicates the medication is effectively stimulating erythropoiesis.
D. Decreased BUN: Blood urea nitrogen reflects kidney function and protein metabolism. While erythropoietin is often used in clients with chronic kidney disease, a decrease in BUN is not a direct measure of the drug’s effectiveness.
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