Patient MK is admited with Atrial Fibrillation an irregular heart rhythm. She is also complaining of muscle cramps to her legs and that she started a new diuretic last week. What lab value are you most likely to find on her Complete Metabolic Panel?
Mg2 – 20 mEq/L
Na+ - 123 mEq/L
Ca2 – 10.0 mg/dl
K+ - - 3.1 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, and diuretics are often used in the management of patients with this condition to help control fluid balance. However, diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to muscle cramps and other complications.
A Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures various electrolytes, glucose, and other important components. Among the options given, the most likely lab value to be abnormal in Patient MK's case is a low level of potassium (K+), which is consistent with her symptoms and diuretic use. Option d, K+ -
-
- mEq/L, is the correct option as it represents a low level of potassium, which is defined as a value less than 3.5 mEq/L.
Option a, Mg2 – 20 mEq/L, represents high magnesium levels, which are not typically associated with diuretic use or muscle cramps. Option b, Na+ - 123 mEq/L, represents low sodium levels, which are less likely to occur with diuretic use, and are typically associated with other conditions. Option c, Ca2 – 10.0 mg/dl, represents normal calcium levels and is not typically affected by diuretic use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The use of an incentive spirometer is essential after surgery to prevent complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis. Atelectasis is the collapse of air sacs in the lungs, which can occur after surgery due to decreased respiratory effort and shallow breathing. An incentive spirometer helps the patient take deep breaths and increase their lung volume, preventing these complications.
Breathing rapidly to prevent pneumonia (option b) is not recommended as it can lead to hyperventilation and other respiratory complications.
Option c is incorrect because patient education is a crucial aspect of post-operative care, and the patient needs to be aware of the potential complications and how to prevent them.
The use of a chest tube (option d) is not usually required after hip surgery, and it is not a priority teaching for the patient.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
These are all electrolyte imbalances. Hyperkalaemia is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Hypocalcaemia is a low level of calcium in the blood. Hyponatremia is a low level of sodium in the blood. Thrombocytopenia and anemia are not electrolyte imbalances. Thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count and anemia is a low red blood cell count or low hemoglobin levels.
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