In which patient will the nurse expect to see a positive Chvostek's sign?
A 50-year-old patient admitted for an acute exacerbation of hyperparathyroidism
A 7-year-old child admitted for severe burns
A 24-year-old admitted for chronic alcohol abuse
A 75-year-old patient admitted for a broken hip related to osteoporosis
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Hyperparathyroidism typically causes hypercalcemia, which would not result in a positive Chvostek’s sign.
B. Severe burns can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, including hypocalcemia, but it's less specific than option C.
C. Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which are known causes of a positive Chvostek’s sign, a clinical sign of neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.
D. Osteoporosis may be related to chronic calcium deficiency, but it does not directly cause the acute hypocalcemia needed to produce a positive Chvostek’s sign.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While sodium bicarbonate can help mitigate some cardiac effects of hyperkalemia, this is not its primary indication.
B. Sodium bicarbonate may be used as an adjunct in hyperkalemia but not as a direct treatment.
C. Sodium bicarbonate does not treat hyponatremia.
D. Sodium bicarbonate is primarily used to neutralize excess acid in the blood and manage metabolic acidosis by increasing blood pH.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hold the medication and inform the provider of the client's potassium level: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L indicates hyperkalemia (normal range is 3.5–5.0 mEq/L). Administering potassium chloride in this situation could worsen the hyperkalemia and lead to serious cardiac complications. The provider should be notified immediately.
B. Obtain an order to increase the dosage of the medication: This would be unsafe and inappropriate since the potassium level is already elevated.
C. Hold the medication until the client has his evening meal: Delaying the dose does not address the issue. The problem is the elevated potassium, not the timing.
D. Give the medication as prescribed: Administering potassium in the presence of hyperkalemia is dangerous and could result in life-threatening arrhythmias.
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