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).

A. “I probably will not have any transfusion reactions from my own blood.” - Autologous transfusions
generally have a lower risk of transfusion reactions because they involve the client’s own blood.
B. “This is the blood I’ve been giving for the past 6 weeks for myself.” - This is a correct understanding of the process of autologous blood donation, where the client donates blood for their own use.
C. An autologous blood transfusion involves the collection and storage of a patient's own blood for later transfusion. This significantly reduces the risk of bloodborne infections, such as hepatitis, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases, as the blood is coming from the patient themselves.
D. “Since I have O negative blood, it’s a good thing I’m getting my own blood.” - The client may not need additional teaching here because O negative blood is universally compatible, but the reason they are getting their own blood is due to the autologous donation process, not because of blood type.