A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who is hypertensive and is complaining of muscle weakness. Which of the following abnormalities on the clients EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hyperkalemia?

Peaked T waves

Inverted P waves

Widened QRS

Prominent U wave

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Peaked T waves:
Peaked T waves are a classic sign of hyperkalemia on an EKG. As potassium levels rise, the T waves become taller, more pointed, and narrow, indicating changes in the heart's electrical conduction. This is one of the earliest and most characteristic EKG changes seen with hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can result from conditions such as kidney dysfunction, use of potassium-sparing diuretics, or other electrolyte imbalances.

B) Inverted P waves:
Inverted P waves typically suggest issues such as atrial ischemia or ectopic atrial rhythms but are not a hallmark sign of hyperkalemia. They may also appear with other conditions, like atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. However, inverted P waves are not typically linked to elevated potassium levels.

C) Widened QRS:
A widened QRS complex can occur in several conditions, including hyperkalemia, but it is generally seen in more severe cases. As potassium levels rise further, the QRS complex may widen due to delayed conduction through the ventricles. Although a widened QRS can indicate hyperkalemia, it is a later sign, and it typically occurs after more specific changes like peaked T waves.

D) Prominent U wave:
Prominent U waves are more often associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia. U waves are typically seen after the T wave on the EKG and can be more prominent in conditions of low potassium.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A"]

Explanation

A) Hydration with IV fluids:
IV hydration may be ordered to improve kidney function and help facilitate the excretion of excess digoxin from the body. Digoxin toxicity is often related to impaired renal clearance, so improving hydration can promote renal perfusion and enhance the elimination of the drug. This is a common supportive measure to help in managing digoxin toxicity.

B) Nothing as the digoxin level is within normal ranges:
This is incorrect because the patient's digoxin level is 4 ng/ml, which is significantly above the normal therapeutic range of 0.8–2.0 ng/ml. A level of 4 ng/ml is toxic, and immediate action is required. Symptoms like severe bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting are indicative of digoxin toxicity, and they necessitate prompt intervention.

C) Hold the Digoxin:
In the case of digoxin toxicity, it is crucial to hold the digoxin. Digoxin should be discontinued immediately if toxicity is suspected, as continuing the medication could worsen symptoms like bradycardia and increase the risk of potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. This step is essential to prevent further complications.

D) Digibind:
Digibind (Digoxin immune fab) is a digoxin-specific antibody used in cases of severe digoxin toxicity or overdose. It binds to the digoxin molecules and helps to neutralize its effects. Given the elevated level of digoxin (4 ng/ml) and the presence of symptoms like severe bradycardia, nausea, and vomiting, Digibind is likely to be ordered to reverse the effects of the toxicity.

E) Narcan:
Narcan (naloxone) is used to reverse opioid overdoses, not digoxin toxicity. There is no indication for the use of Narcan in this scenario, as digoxin toxicity does not involve opioid overdose. This intervention would be inappropriate and irrelevant to the management of digoxin toxicity.

A. The time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization (diastole) B. Time taken for impulse to spread to the point immediately preceding ventricular contraction C. Time taken for depolarization (contraction) of both ventricles (systole) D. Passage of electrical impulse through the atrium causing atrial depolarization

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) The time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization (diastole):
This refers to the period between ventricular depolarization and repolarization, which is associated with the QT interval on the EKG, not the P wave. The P wave specifically relates to atrial depolarization, not the ventricular activity. Diastole refers to the relaxation phase of the heart cycle, and it’s not directly linked to the P wave, which represents atrial contraction.

B) Time taken for impulse to spread to the point immediately preceding ventricular contraction:

The P wave represents the depolarization (or contraction) of the atria, not the time taken for the impulse to spread to the ventricles. The time taken for the impulse to spread through the atria, across the AV node, and down to the ventricles is better represented by the PR interval, not the P wave itself.

C) Time taken for depolarization (contraction) of both ventricles (systole):
This describes the QRS complex, which represents the depolarization (contraction) of the ventricles during systole, not the P wave. The QRS complex shows the electrical activity of the ventricles as they contract, while the P wave relates to atrial depolarization, which occurs before ventricular contraction.

D) Passage of electrical impulse through the atrium causing atrial depolarization:
The P wave represents the passage of the electrical impulse through the atria, leading to atrial depolarization. Depolarization of the atria results in the contraction of the atria, pushing blood into the ventricles. The P wave is the first part of the cardiac cycle on the EKG and reflects the electrical activity that causes atrial contraction.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who is hypertensive and is complaining of muscle weakness. Which of the following abnormalities on the clients EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hyperkalemia?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient taking Digoxin is experiencing severe bradycardia, nausea and vomiting. A lab draw shows that their Digoxin level is 4 ng/mi (0.8-2.0 ng/ml). What management does the nurse anticipate the physician to order? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A"]

Explanation

The patient asks the nurse what the P Wave indicates on an EKG strip. The nurse informs the patient that the P Wave represents:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is preparing a client who is to receive chemotherapy for treatment of ovarian cancer. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

The nurse is assessing a client who is diagnosed with heart failure and reports slight limitation of physical activity, is comfortable at rest but ordinary physical activity causes symptoms. What heart failure classification does this patient fall under?

The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client who is recently diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis. Which of the following is the most important to include in the patient teaching?

A client with Parkinson's disease is prescribed carbidopa-levadopa [Sinemet]. Which of the following side effects does the nurse recognize can occur with this medication?

A client with the rhythm below has been admitted into the cardiac icu. What assessment finding does the nurse expect to find in this client?

A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who is hypertensive and is complaining of muscle weakness. Which of the following abnormalities on the clients EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hyperkalemia?

A nurse discusses the self-care guidelines to minimize the side effects of radiation on the skin. Which self-care instructions can the nurse provide the client receiving radiation? [Select all that apply.]