The nurse reviews a client's electrolyte results and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. What would the nurse look for on the cardiac monitor as a result of this laboratory value?

Narrow, peaked T waves

ST elevation

Peaked P waves

Prominent U waves

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Narrow, peaked T waves are a sign of hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that affects the electrical activity of the heart. Hyperkalemia can cause the T waves, which represent the repolarization of the ventricles, to become narrow and peaked, indicating a rapid and excessive repolarization.

Choice B reason: ST elevation is a sign of myocardial infarction, which is a heart attack. It indicates that the myocardium, or the heart muscle, is damaged and deprived of oxygen. ST elevation is not related to the potassium level, but rather to the coronary artery blood flow.

Choice C reason: Peaked P waves are a sign of atrial hypertrophy, which is an enlargement of the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. It indicates that the atria are under increased pressure or workload. Peaked P waves are not related to the potassium level, but rather to the atrial function.

Choice D reason: Prominent U waves are a sign of hypokalemia, which is a low level of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that affects the electrical activity of the heart. Hypokalemia can cause the U waves, which represent the repolarization of the Purkinje fibers, to become prominent and visible, indicating a delayed and prolonged repolarization.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is correct because acidosis is a condition where the serum pH is lower than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. Acidosis can be caused by an excess of acids or a loss of bases in the body, which can affect the function of various organs and systems.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because equal bicarbonate is not a condition, but a term that describes the balance between bicarbonate (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood. Bicarbonate is a base that buffers the acids in the blood and maintains the pH. Equal bicarbonate means that the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid is 20:1, which is the normal value.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because neutral carbonic acid is not a condition, but a term that describes the pH of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood. Carbonic acid is an acid that forms when carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolves in water. Neutral carbonic acid means that the pH of carbonic acid is 7.0, which is neither acidic nor basic.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because alkalosis is a condition where the serum pH is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. Alkalosis can be caused by a loss of acids or an excess of bases in the body, which can affect the function of various organs and systems.

A. pH 7.50, PCO2 30 mmHg B. pH 7.45, PCO2 52 mmHg C. pH 7.25, PCO2 50 mmHg D. pH 7.35, PCO2 40 mmHg

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this represents respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and a low PCO2.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this represents a mixed disorder, not a pure respiratory acidosis. A mixed disorder occurs when both the pH and the PCO2 are abnormal, but in opposite directions.

Choice C reason: This is correct because this represents respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a high PCO2.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because this represents normal values, not respiratory acidosis. Normal values for pH and PCO2 are 7.35 to 7.45 and 35 to 45 mmHg, respectively.

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The nurse reviews a client's electrolyte results and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. What would the nurse look for on the cardiac monitor as a result of this laboratory value?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A decreased serum pH causes a condition known as:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The registered nurse reviews the result of the arterial blood gas values with the licensed practical nurse and tells the LPN that the client has respiratory acidosis. The LPN would expect to note which of the following on the laboratory result report?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which may cause hyperkalemia?

The kidneys respond to acid-base disturbances by:

The nurse is caring for a client with severe diarrhea. The nurse monitors the client closely, understanding that this client is at risk for developing which acid-base disorder?

Which patient is at the highest risk for dehydration?

A patient has end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which acid-base imbalance would be predictable in a patient with COPD?

The nurse is reviewing the health records of assigned clients. The nurse would plan care knowing that which client is at risk for fluid volume deficit?

An isotonic solution contains equal solute concentration on both sides.

An isotonic state exists within a patient's body fluids when the solute concentration of: