The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hypocalcemia. What additional assessments should the nurse include when caring for this patient?
Drug toxicity.
Other electrolyte disturbances.
Hypertension.
Visual disturbances.
The Correct Answer is B
Other electrolyte disturbances.
Choice A rationale:
Drug toxicity is not directly related to hypocalcemia. The main concern in hypocalcemia is the calcium imbalance itself, not drug toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Other electrolyte disturbances should be assessed because imbalances in other electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, are often associated with hypocalcemia. Electrolyte imbalances can interact and exacerbate each other, potentially leading to more severe complications.
Choice C rationale:
Hypertension is not a typical assessment finding in hypocalcemia. Hypertension is not directly related to calcium levels but may have other underlying causes.
Choice D rationale:
Visual disturbances are not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more likely to present with neuromuscular and cardiovascular symptoms, rather than visual disturbances.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
Choice A rationale:
The amplitude of the QRS complex is not directly affected by changes in serum potassium levels. It represents ventricular depolarization, and its restoration would not be an expected outcome of polystyrene sulfonate treatment
Choice B rationale:
Shortening of the P-wave duration is not an expected change with polystyrene sulfonate treatment. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, which is not significantly impacted by the administration of this medication
Choice C rationale:
Widening of the QRS complex is associated with high serum potassium levels. The goal of polystyrene sulfonate treatment is to lower potassium levels and, thus, return the QRS complex to its normal width
Choice D rationale:
Polystyrene sulfonate aims to reduce serum potassium levels. When effective, this should result in a reduction of T-wave amplitude, which is a common ECG change seen with hyperkalemia
In conclusion, choice D is the correct answer, as a reduction in T-wave amplitude would be the expected change on the client's ECG if polystyrene sulfonate effectively lowers their serum potassium level.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The arterial blood gas results show a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated Paco2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), which indicates respiratory acidosis. This condition occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide through ventilation, leading to an accumulation of carbonic acid in the blood and a decrease in pH.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic acidosis would present with a low pH and a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, not an elevated Paco2.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, not an elevated Paco2.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis would present with a high pH and a decreased Paco2, not an elevated Paco2 as seen in this case.
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