The nurse is preparing to administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) rectally to a patient with an irregular pulse and weakness of the lower extremities.
What laboratory finding does the nurse determine is the reason for this treatment?

Step 1 is: Convert hours to minutes: 8 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 480 minutes.

Step 2 is: Calculate the drops/minute: (1000 mL ÷ 480 minutes) × 15 gtts/mL.

Step 3 is: Perform the division: 1000 mL ÷ 480 minutes ≈ 2.0833 mL/min.

Step 4 is: Perform the multiplication: 2.0833 mL/min × 15 gtts/mL ≈ 31.25 drops/min.

Step 5 is: Round the answer to the nearest whole number: 31 drops/min.

Final calculated answer: 31 drops/min.

Choice B rationale

Radiating pain to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (MI). This pain occurs due to the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen, often because of a blockage in one or more coronary arteries. The pain can radiate to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, and is a key indicator for diagnosing an MI.

Choice A rationale

Nausea and vomiting can occur during an MI but are not the most distinctive symptoms for diagnosis. They can also be associated with other conditions, making them less specific indicators of MI.

Choice C rationale

Shortness of breath is a common symptom during an MI, resulting from reduced oxygen supply to the heart. However, while it is an important clinical manifestation, it can also be associated with other cardiac or respiratory conditions.

Choice D rationale

Headache is not a typical symptom of an MI. It is less commonly associated with heart attacks and can be caused by a wide range of other factors, making it an unreliable symptom for diagnosing MI.