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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While inflammation can affect the kidneys, the presence of inflammatory cells alone does not typically cause a decrease in GFR. Inflammatory cells invading the kidneys is more associated with conditions like glomerulonephritis rather than acute tubular necrosis.
Choice B rationale
A reduction in blood flow to the kidneys, known as prerenal azotemia, can indeed lead to a decreased GFR. However, in the context of acute tubular necrosis, the primary issue is damage to the renal tubules rather than blood flow.
Choice C rationale
Acute tubular necrosis is characterized by damage to the renal tubular cells, which can lead to a decrease in GFR. This damage impairs the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood, resulting in a lower GFR.
Choice D rationale
Obstruction of the urinary tract can lead to postrenal azotemia, which may decrease GFR if severe enough. However, this is not the typical pathophysiological change seen in acute tubular necrosis, which primarily involves tubular cell injury.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring fluid and electrolytes is essential in managing ascites to prevent complications such as fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances, which can exacerbate the condition.
Choice B rationale
Providing a high-sodium diet is not recommended for patients with ascites. Sodium restriction is typically advised to help manage fluid retention.
Choice C rationale
Anticipating paracentesis is appropriate as it is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity, providing relief from discomfort and respiratory difficulty.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging high-fluid intake is not recommended for ascites management. Fluid restriction may be necessary to prevent further accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Choice E rationale
Administering an albumin infusion can be part of the treatment for ascites, especially following paracentesis, to help maintain blood volume and pressure.
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