Review the monitor tab and the Labs tab

Monitor

Labs

LAB	Result	Normal Range
Potassium	2.8 mEq/L	3.5-5.3mEq/L
Sodium	133 mEq/L	135-145 mEqL
Chloride	90 mEq/L	97-107 mEqL
Glucose	200 mg/dL	70mg/dL to 110mg/dL
Magnesium	2.5 mg/dL	1.6-2.2 mg/dL

Calcium

8.0 mg/dL

8.2-10.2 mg/dL:

The nurse observes the rhythm below for a client on the telemetry unit. Which laboratory value result would the nurse suspect contributed to the development of this dysrhythmia?

Sodium

Magnesium

Calcium

Potassium

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Sodium is crucial for maintaining normal cellular function, especially for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. However, sodium imbalances typically affect the general function of the heart, and sodium abnormalities are not commonly associated with torsades de pointes, which is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
B.   Magnesium plays a critical role in the electrical stability of the heart and helps regulate potassium and calcium channels, which are involved in the cardiac action potential. Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) is a well-known risk factor for torsades de pointes, a specific type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that is associated with QT interval prolongation. In this case, the magnesium level is 2.5 mg/dL, which is above the normal range (1.6-2.2 mg/dL), suggesting hypermagnesemia.
C.   Calcium is vital for proper muscle function, including the heart muscle, and is essential for electrical conduction. Hypocalcemia (low calcium) can lead to QT interval prolongation, which in turn increases the risk for arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the calcium level is 8.0 mg/dL, which is only slightly below the normal range (8.2-10.2 mg/dL), making calcium a less likely primary contributor to torsades de pointes in this situation.
D.   Potassium plays a crucial role in regulating the resting membrane potential and action potentials in cardiac cells. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can lead to QT prolongation and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L, which is low (normal range: 3.5-5.3 mEq/L), and hypokalemia is more commonly associated with arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes than hyperkalemia (high potassium).

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. INR = 3.7: The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a measure of blood clotting. An INR greater than
3.0 indicates that the blood is not clotting properly, which can be caused by warfarin overdose. An elevated INR requires FFP to correct coagulopathy.
B. Hemoglobin = 6.3g/dL: This is low, indicating anemia, but it is not directly related to warfarin overdose. The primary issue here is coagulopathy, not anemia.
C. Fibrinogen = 90mg/dL: Fibrinogen levels may be decreased in various conditions, but this alone does not necessarily require additional FFP unless it’s below a critical threshold. Fibrinogen is not the main marker for warfarin overdose.
D. Platelets = 101,000 mm3: This platelet count is within the lower end of the normal range but does not indicate that more FFP is needed in response to warfarin overdose.

A. Petechiae B. Diarrhea C. Intractable vomiting D. Urinary incontinence

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Petechiae (small, pinpoint hemorrhages) are a common manifestation of DIC due to the excessive clotting and subsequent breakdown of clotting factors, leading to bleeding into the skin.
B. Diarrhea is not typically a primary symptom of DIC, although gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in severe cases.
C. Intractable vomiting is not characteristic of DIC, although it could occur in clients with severe bleeding or complications.
D. Urinary incontinence is not a direct manifestation of DIC, although it could occur secondary to neurological or other systemic complications.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Review the monitor tab and the Labs tab Monitor

Labs

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who received a transfusion of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) for an acute GI bleed related to accidental wantarin overdose. Which laboratory result would indicate the need for an additional unit of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) to correct the problem caused by the overdose?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse would assess the client diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) for which manifestation of the disorder?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is planning care for a client diagnosed with heart failure who will soon be discharged home. What should be included in the teaching plan? The client will:

Labs

The nurse is caring for a patient whose blood type is A-. The nurse knows that this patient can receive the following blood types:(SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

The nurse is caring for a client with acute heart failure who is severely dyspneic and extremely anxious. The nurse anticipates that increased cardiac output and decreased anxiety may be promoted by the IV administration of:

The nurse is performing the initial assessment of a client diagnosed with heart failure. Which question should the nurse ask to best assess the client's respiratory status?

The nurse is assessing the client with a recent pacemaker placement. The client's monitor is displaying what type of rhythm?

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute heart failure on the telemetry unit. Which laboratory result does the nurse know is most indicative of this diagnosis?

Review the monitor tab and the Labs tab

Monitor