A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking a loop diuretic and notes the client's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following physiological responses should the nurse expect related to the client's hypokalemia?
Hypoglycemia.
Cardiac dysrhythmias.
Increased appetite.
Hyperreflexia.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Hypoglycemia Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is not typically associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypokalemia primarily affects the function of muscles and nerves, and it does not directly influence blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale:
Cardiac dysrhythmias Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical activity of the heart, and low potassium levels can disrupt normal cardiac rhythms, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Cardiac dysrhythmias are a well-recognized complication of severe hypokalemia, making this choice the correct one.
Choice C rationale:
Increased appetite Hypokalemia is not associated with an increased appetite. In fact, it can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which may decrease appetite. The primary manifestations of hypokalemia are related to muscle weakness and cardiac abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperreflexia Hyperreflexia (excessive reflex responses) is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more commonly associated with muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac disturbances. Hyperreflexia is often seen in conditions of excessive calcium levels (hypercalcemia) or neurological disorders, not hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Facial flushing. Facial flushing is not typically associated with atelectasis. Atelectasis is the collapse of a portion of the lung, which can lead to decreased oxygenation and respiratory distress but does not directly cause facial flushing. Flushing may be related to other factors such as fever or allergic reactions.
Choice B rationale:
Dry cough. A dry cough can be a common symptom of atelectasis. As the lung tissue collapses and airways become obstructed, it can lead to irritation and a dry, non-productive cough as the body attempts to clear the airway. So, a dry cough is an expected finding in a client with atelectasis.
Choice C rationale:
Decreasing respiratory rate. A decreasing respiratory rate is not typically associated with atelectasis. In fact, atelectasis often leads to an increased respiratory rate as the body tries to compensate for the reduced oxygen exchange. The patient may experience tachypnea (rapid breathing) as a result.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing dyspnea. Increasing dyspnea is a common and expected finding in a client with atelectasis. As lung tissue collapses and oxygen exchange is compromised, the patient will likely experience worsening shortness of breath. This is a concerning symptom and should be closely monitored, as it may indicate a need for intervention to improve lung expansion and oxygenation.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dyspnea is a common finding in clients with emphysema. Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by the destruction of the alveoli in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. The loss of alveoli reduces the surface area for gas exchange, causing dyspnea.
Choice B rationale:
Bradycardia is not typically associated with emphysema. In fact, it is more common for clients with emphysema to have an increased heart rate (tachycardia) due to the body's compensatory response to low oxygen levels in the blood.
Choice C rationale:
Clubbing of the fingers is often seen in clients with chronic respiratory conditions like emphysema. It is a result of chronic hypoxia and is characterized by the abnormal rounding and thickening of the fingertips and nail beds.
Choice D rationale:
Barrel chest is a common physical finding in clients with emphysema. It is characterized by an increase in the anteroposterior diameter of the chest due to overinflation of the lungs. This change in chest shape is a result of chronic air trapping and hyperinflation, which are hallmarks of emphysema.
Choice E rationale:
Shallow respirations are expected in clients with emphysema. Due to the loss of alveolar elasticity and increased airway resistance, clients with emphysema tend to take shallow breaths, which are less effective for oxygen exchange.
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