What is a major function of potassium within the body?
regulating cardiac enzymes
maintaining normal nerve and muscle activity
regulating kidney function
stimulating the excretion or retention of chloride
The Correct Answer is B
A. Regulating cardiac enzymes: Potassium does not directly regulate cardiac enzymes. Its influence on the heart is more about maintaining the electrical potential across cell membranes, which is crucial for the heart's rhythm and contractility.
B. Maintaining normal nerve and muscle activity: Potassium is crucial for maintaining normal nerve and muscle function. It helps generate electrical impulses in cells, particularly in muscles and nerves, including the heart muscle.
C. Regulating kidney function: While potassium levels are regulated by the kidneys, potassium itself does not regulate kidney function. The kidneys help maintain potassium balance in the body by excreting or conserving it.
D. Stimulating the excretion or retention of chloride: Potassium does not regulate chloride excretion or retention. The excretion or retention of chloride is often linked to the movement of sodium and other ions to maintain electrical neutrality and fluid balance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 5.8 mEq/L: A potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L is still elevated, indicating that the sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) has not been fully effective in lowering the potassium to a normal range.
B. 5.5 mEq/L: While this level is slightly lower than 5.8 mEq/L, it still remains elevated above the normal range. It indicates some reduction in potassium, but it is not yet within the desired range.
C. 6.2 mEq/L: A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is critically high and reflects a lack of effectiveness of the Kayexalate treatment. This level is very high suggesting that the medication has not worked.
D. 4.9 mEq/L: A potassium level of 4.9 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L). This indicates that the sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) has been effective in lowering the potassium to a safe and normal level.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Serum sodium: While sodium levels can be affected in metabolic alkalosis, a positive Chvostek sign is more indicative of a calcium issue rather than a sodium imbalance.
B. Serum calcium: A positive Chvostek sign, which is a twitching of the facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped, is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia can occur in metabolic alkalosis due to shifts in calcium, and the nurse should check the serum calcium level immediately.
C. Serum magnesium: Magnesium levels can also affect neuromuscular function, but hypocalcemia is more directly related to a positive Chvostek sign. Although magnesium should be monitored, calcium is the priority in this situation.
D. Serum glucose level: Serum glucose levels are not related to the development of metabolic alkalosis or a positive Chvostek sign. Therefore, glucose is not the most immediate concern in this context.
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