A nurse is reviewing laboratory data on a client who is recovering from surgery.
Drag 1 condition and 1 client finding to fill in each blank in the following sentence.
The client is at risk for developing due to
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"E","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Potassium Levels: The postoperative potassium level for the client is 3.0 mEq/L, which falls below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Potassium is a critical electrolyte necessary for the proper functioning of cardiac muscles. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the electrical conductivity of the heart. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can disrupt this electrical conductivity, leading to abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can manifest as palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or more severe cardiac events, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Importance of Potassium in Cardiac Function: Potassium is essential for the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. It helps in the return of the cell to its resting state after each heartbeat. A deficiency in potassium disrupts this balance, increasing the risk of erratic heartbeats and arrhythmias. Low potassium can prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a marker for potential arrhythmic events.
Clinical Implications: For a postoperative client, maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial. Surgery and anesthesia can affect fluid and electrolyte levels, making it essential to monitor and correct any imbalances. The decrease in potassium levels from 3.5 mEq/L preoperatively to 3.0 mEq/L postoperatively highlights a trend that must be addressed to prevent complications such as arrhythmias.
Preventative Measures: To mitigate the risk of arrhythmias, the healthcare team should consider interventions to correct the hypokalemia. This may include administering potassium supplements orally or intravenously, depending on the severity and clinical context. Continuous cardiac monitoring may also be warranted to detect and manage any emerging arrhythmic events promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In this scenario, the nurse's decision not to administer the pain medication is not based on maximizing overall benefit but rather on avoiding harm to the individual client.
B) Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. The nurse's decision not to administer the pain medication is rooted in the desire to avoid causing harm to the client by potentially hastening their death.
C) Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the obligation to fulfill commitments and responsibilities. While important, fidelity is not directly relevant to the nurse's decision in this scenario.
D) Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty. While honesty is crucial in communicating with the client and their family about their condition and care, it is not the primary ethical principle guiding the nurse's decision in this situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "It will be a change for you, but a normal lifestyle is still possible. What concerns you the most?": This response acknowledges the patient's feelings while offering reassurance that life can still be fulfilling after surgery. It also invites the patient to express their concerns, allowing the nurse to address specific worries and provide tailored support.
B. "How has your husband reacted to the news?": While understanding the patient's support system is important, this response does not directly address the patient's expressed feelings of disbelief and may not be the most immediate concern for the patient at this moment.
C. "Don't worry. Many patients have had this same surgery and learn to manage very well.": While meant to offer reassurance, this response may come across as dismissive of the patient's feelings of disbelief and anxiety about the upcoming surgery.
D. "You sound like you are in disbelief. Why do you feel this way?": This response acknowledges the patient's expressed emotion but may come across as confrontational or probing, potentially making the patient feel defensive. It's important to provide support and reassurance while inviting the patient to share their concerns in a non-threatening manner.
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