An elderly patient has been having copious vomiting for several days and has become lethargic and weak. His mucous membranes are dry.
He has poor skin turgor.
Lab work shows: sodium of 145, ABGs: pH 7.58, PCO2 38, HCO3 38, PO2 95, SO2 98. Which response best explains the patient’s lethargy and weakness?
The hypokalemia brought on severe muscle spasms, causing exhaustion.
Due to his low potassium, his cells rely on glycolysis.
Due to the hypokalemia, his cells are hyperpolarized.
The hypernatremia caused cellular dehydration, leading to lethargy.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cramps, but it does not typically lead to severe muscle spasms causing exhaustion. The patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely related to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration rather than muscle spasms.
Choice B rationale
While low potassium levels can affect cellular metabolism, the primary issue here is not glycolysis. The patient’s symptoms are more consistent with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than a metabolic shift to glycolysis.
Choice C rationale
Hypokalemia can cause cells to become hyperpolarized, leading to muscle weakness and decreased reflexes. However, the patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than cellular hyperpolarization.
Choice D rationale
Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels, can cause cellular dehydration, leading to symptoms such as lethargy and weakness. The patient’s lab results and clinical presentation are consistent with hypernatremia-induced cellular dehydration, which explains his symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Wearing an N95 mask is appropriate for airborne precautions, such as tuberculosis, but not specifically for MRSA, which requires contact precautions.
Choice B rationale
Wearing a facemask is suitable for droplet precautions, such as influenza, but MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact, not droplets.
Choice C rationale
Using a separate disposable blood pressure cuff for patients with draining wounds helps prevent the spread of MRSA. MRSA can be transmitted via contaminated medical equipment.
Choice D rationale
Strict hand washing measures are essential but should be performed more frequently than once every 8-hour shift. Hand hygiene should be practiced before and after patient contact.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Poor blood glucose control is a significant factor in delayed wound healing in patients with diabetes. Hyperglycemia impairs various aspects of the immune response, reduces blood flow, and increases the risk of infection, all of which contribute to delayed healing.
Choice B rationale
Inadequate protein intake can also contribute to delayed wound healing. Protein is essential for the repair and regeneration of tissues, and a deficiency can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds effectively.
Choice C rationale
Peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can lead to decreased sensation in the feet, making it more likely for injuries to go unnoticed and untreated. This can result in chronic wounds and delayed healing.
Choice D rationale
All of the above factors—poor blood glucose control, inadequate protein intake, and peripheral neuropathy—can contribute to delayed healing of foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. Each of these factors plays a role in the complex process of wound healing and can hinder the body’s ability to repair itself.
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