A patient who has is hospitalized with hyperkalemia. Which information will the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the acute glomerulonephritis prescribed calcium gluconate IV?
Calcium level
Neurologic status
Cardiac rhythm
Urine volume
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Monitoring calcium levels is important after administering calcium gluconate IV, but it is not the primary indicator of the medication's effectiveness in treating hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate is used in hyperkalemia to stabilize the heart muscle, not to correct calcium levels.
Choice B rationale
Neurologic status may be affected by hyperkalemia, but changes in neurologic status are not the most direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness. The medication's primary role is to address cardiac risks associated with high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Cardiac rhythm is the most critical aspect to monitor after administering calcium gluconate for hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, and calcium gluconate works by stabilizing the cardiac membrane, thus the effectiveness of the treatment is directly reflected in the stabilization of the cardiac rhythm.
Choice D rationale
While urine volume can indicate kidney function and might indirectly reflect changes in potassium levels, it is not the direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness in the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Jaundice of the sclera is indicative of hyperbilirubinemia, which can occur in various liver diseases but is not specifically associated with Grey Turner's sign or pancreatitis.
Choice B rationale
Bluish discoloration of the periumbilical area, known as Cullen's sign, is another indicator of severe pancreatitis but is distinct from Grey Turner's sign, which specifically refers to the flank area.
Choice C rationale
Left abdominal pain that occurs with movement may be a symptom experienced by patients with pancreatitis, but it is not referred to as Grey Turner's sign, which is a physical finding rather than a symptom.
Choice D rationale
Grey Turner's sign is characterized by bluish discoloration of the flank area. It is a sign of retroperitoneal hemorrhage, which can occur in severe cases of pancreatitis due to the spread of pancreatic enzymes to surrounding tissues, leading to localized bleeding.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chocolate is known to have moderate levels of potassium and should be limited in a diet for chronic kidney disease to prevent hyperkalemia¹.
Choice B rationale
Green beans are considered a lower potassium vegetable and can be included in a kidney-friendly diet in appropriate portions².
Choice C rationale
Tomatoes are high in potassium and should be avoided by individuals with chronic kidney disease to maintain safe potassium levels¹.
Choice D rationale
Bananas are very high in potassium and are one of the most well-known foods that individuals with chronic kidney disease are advised to avoid¹.
Choice E rationale
Asparagus is lower in potassium compared to other vegetables and can be consumed in moderation by people with chronic kidney disease².
Choice F rationale
Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride and should be avoided as they can significantly increase potassium intake, which is harmful for those with chronic kidney disease¹.
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