A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who has prolonged vomiting. Which of the following abnormalities on the client's EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hypokalemia?

Inverted P wave

Wide ORS

Elevated ST segment

Abnormally prominent U wave

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Inverted P wave: An inverted P wave may indicate atrial depolarization abnormalities but is not typically associated with hypokalemia. It can be seen in conditions such as atrial enlargement or atrial ischemia. However, in hypokalemia, the P wave may become flattened or have a decreased amplitude, but it is less likely to be inverted.
B. Wide QRS: A wide QRS complex may indicate conduction abnormalities or bundle branch blocks, but it is not specifically associated with hypokalemia. Wide QRS complexes are more commonly seen in conditions such as bundle branch blocks or electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia tends to cause a prolongation of the QT interval rather than widening of the QRS complex.
C. Elevated ST segment: An elevated ST segment is typically associated with myocardial injury or infarction, not hypokalemia. It can be indicative of conditions such as myocardial ischemia or pericarditis. In hypokalemia, ST segment changes are more likely to be flattened or depressed rather than elevated.
D. Abnormally prominent U wave: An abnormally prominent U wave is a classic EKG finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia prolongs the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential, leading to the appearance of U waves following the T wave. These U waves can become more pronounced as potassium levels decrease. Therefore, an abnormally prominent U wave is a significant indicator of hypokalemia on an EKG, especially in a patient with prolonged vomiting, which can lead to potassium depletion. Thus, it is the most pertinent abnormality to interpret in this context.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Take the medication with meals: Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used to prevent asthma symptoms. It should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider, usually inhaled at specific times each day. Taking the medication with meals is not necessary, as it does not affect its efficacy or absorption.
B. Check the pulse after medication administration: Checking the pulse is not typically indicated after administering inhaled beclomethasone. Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid inhaler used for long-term control of asthma symptoms and is not associated with significant cardiovascular effects that would necessitate pulse monitoring.
C. Limit caffeine intake: Limiting caffeine intake is not specifically related to the administration of inhaled beclomethasone. However, caffeine can exacerbate some asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals, so general advice to limit caffeine intake may be beneficial for managing asthma symptoms overall. Still, it's not directly related to the administration of this medication.
D. Rinse the mouth after administration: This is the correct action. Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone can cause local side effects such as oral candidiasis (thrush) or dysphonia (hoarseness) due to deposition of the medication in the mouth and throat. Rinsing the mouth with water after each dose helps minimize these side effects by reducing the amount of medication left in the mouth, thereby decreasing the risk of oral candidiasis and other local adverse effects.

A. Erythema and edema of the affected ear B. Tugging on the affected ear lobe C. Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe D. Clear drainage from the affected ear

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) of the affected ear are classic signs of otitis media, an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. In otitis media, the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, leading to redness and swelling of the tympanic membrane and surrounding tissues.
B. Tugging on the affected ear lobe is a common behavior observed in children with otitis media. Ear pulling or rubbing is often a sign of ear pain or discomfort, which can result from the pressure caused by the accumulation of fluid and inflammation in the middle ear.
C. Pain when manipulating the affected ear lobe is another common symptom of otitis media. Children with this condition may experience tenderness or discomfort when the affected ear is touched or manipulated due to the underlying inflammation and infection.
D. Clear drainage from the affected ear is not typically associated with otitis media. Instead, otitis media is characterized by the presence of middle ear effusion, which may manifest as fluid behind the eardrum. The drainage from otitis media is more commonly serous or purulent rather than clear.

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A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who has prolonged vomiting. Which of the following abnormalities on the client's EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hypokalemia?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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