The nurse identifies that a patient with chronic kidney disease is at risk for which electrolyte disturbance?

Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that acts by blocking the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system on the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate (positive chronotropic effect) and conduction velocity (positive dromotropic effect). In patients with symptomatic type 1 second degree atrioventricular (AV) block (also known as Mobitz type 1 or Wenckebach), the electrical impulses between the atria and ventricles are delayed or blocked intermittently, resulting in a progressive lengthening of the PR interval until a ventricular beat is dropped.

When atropine is administered to a patient with symptomatic type 1 AV block, it can counteract the increased vagal tone that contributes to the block and help improve the conduction through the AV node. As a result, the heart rate is expected to increase, which is a positive response to the medication.

The other options listed (B) Decrease in premature ventricular contractions, (C) Increase in strength of peripheral pulses, and (D) Decrease in premature atrial contractions, are not directly related to the effect of atropine on type 1 AV block and are not typical findings associated with atropine administration in this context. The main goal of administering atropine in this situation is to increase the heart rate and improve the AV conduction to alleviate symptoms associated with the AV block.

The most important finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a hypertensive emergency is option B, "The client cannot move the left arm and leg when asked to do so."

Hypertensive emergencies are critical situations where extremely high blood pressure levels can lead to damage or dysfunction in vital organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and eyes. Neurological symptoms are particularly concerning in this context, as they may indicate acute brain injury or stroke resulting from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Option A, "Tremors are noted in the fingers when the client extends the arms," could be concerning but is not as immediately critical as the neurological deficit described in option B. Tremors can have various causes and may not directly relate to the hypertensive emergency unless other signs or symptoms of neurologic impairment are also present.

Option C, "Urine output over 8 hours is 250 mL less than the fluid intake," is relevant to monitor the client's fluid status and kidney function, but it does not indicate an acute, life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention like the neurological deficit in option B.

Option D, "The client reports a headache with pain at level 7 of 10 (0 to 10 scale)," is concerning and may be a symptom of the hypertensive emergency, but it is not as urgent as the neurological findings. Headache can be a symptom of elevated blood pressure, but it is not sufficient on its own to determine the severity of the hypertensive crisis.

In a hypertensive emergency, the priority is to identify and manage potential complications, such as neurological deficits, acute organ damage, or signs of target organ dysfunction. Prompt reporting of any neurological changes is crucial, as it may prompt immediate interventions to prevent further neurological deterioration. The healthcare provider needs to assess the client's neurological status promptly and determine appropriate management to prevent further complications.