Blood is drawn on a patient who has been chronically ill. The lab results include a potassium level of 2.4. Related to influences on the heart's electrical conduction, an expected sequela of this electrolyte disturbance might be

hypopolarization of sino-atrial node (SA node).

increased heart rate from stimulation of the vagus nerve.

heart rate of 40 beats/minute.

heart rate of 150 beats/minute.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hypokalemia causes hyperpolarization, not hypopolarization, making it more difficult for cells to reach an action potential.

B. Hypokalemia does not stimulate the vagus nerve but can lead to arrhythmias.

C. While hypokalemia can cause arrhythmias, it usually leads to tachycardia or other irregular rhythms rather than a bradycardic rate of 40 beats per minute.

D. Low potassium levels can lead to tachycardia (e.g., a heart rate of 150 beats per minute) and other dangerous arrhythmias due to increased irritability of cardiac cells.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While an increased respiratory rate may occur, it does not directly lead to hyperinflation of the uninjured lung due to tension pneumothorax.

B. In a tension pneumothorax, air enters the pleural space and does not exhale effectively; it is not about exhalation.

C. Trapped air in the pleural cavity increases pressure, collapsing the lung and pushing mediastinal structures (like the heart) to the opposite side, thereby reducing venous return and cardiac output.

D. Retained CO2 is not a direct cause of tension pneumothorax; the main issue is the pressure from trapped air affecting lung function and hemodynamics.

A. Cigarette smoking is the main cause of COPD but has a much less severe negative impact on the circulatory system. B. A patient with kyphosis and a measured VQ ratio of 0.6 has a decreased ability of inhaling air into their alveoli. C. Clinical manifestations seen in a patient with respiratory acidosis are tachypnea and tingling of the fingers. D. The nurse taking care of a patient with venous insufficiency understands the mechanisms of this disease when she makes sure the feet are lower than the heart. E. The nurse taking care of a patient with venous insufficiency understands the mechanisms of this disease when she makes sure the feet are lower than the heart.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but it also significantly impacts the circulatory system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension.

B. Kyphosis can alter lung expansion, potentially decreasing the V/Q (ventilation/perfusion) ratio to 0.6 by restricting air intake to the alveoli. This reduced ventilation impacts the V/Q balance, confirming decreased inhalation ability.

C. Respiratory acidosis typically causes bradypnea (slow breathing) due to CO₂ retention, rather than tachypnea. Tingling of the fingers is more associated with respiratory alkalosis.

D. For venous insufficiency, elevating the legs (higher than the heart) promotes venous return, not lowering the feet.

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Blood is drawn on a patient who has been chronically ill. The lab results include a potassium level of 2.4. Related to influences on the heart's electrical conduction, an expected sequela of this electrolyte disturbance might be

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is admitted to the emergency department with left-sided chest trauma. Which statement best identifies why the formation of a tension pneumothorax can result in a life-threatening condition for this patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which one statement is true? VQ ratio: norm = 0.8

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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