Which assessment finding will the nurse expect for a patient with the following laboratory values: sodium 145 mEq/L, potassium 45 mq, calcium 45 mg/dL?

Light-headedness when standing up

Weak quadriceps muscles

Decreased deep tendon reflexes

Tingling of extremities

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Light-headedness when standing up:
Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis, cardiac dysrhythmias, and even cardiac arrest. Light-headedness when standing up is more commonly associated with orthostatic hypotension or volume depletion rather than electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia.

B. Weak quadriceps muscles:
Weakness in the quadriceps muscles is not typically associated with the electrolyte imbalances presented in the scenario. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, but it is not specific to the quadriceps.

C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with the electrolyte imbalances presented in the scenario. Hyperkalemia can lead to hyperreflexia or absent reflexes, but it is not specific to decreased deep tendon reflexes.

D. Tingling of extremities:
This is the correct answer. Hypocalcemia, indicated by the low calcium level in the scenario, can manifest with symptoms such as tingling or numbness of the extremities, muscle cramps, and tetany. Calcium plays a crucial role in nerve transmission, and low levels can lead to sensory disturbances like tingling in the extremities.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Pain level:
While assessing pain is important to determine the effectiveness of the pain management, it is not the immediate priority after administering an opioid.

B) Pulse oximetry:
Monitoring oxygen saturation is critical as opioids can depress respiratory function. However, it is indirectly related to the primary effect of the medication on the central nervous system.

C) Blood pressure:
Monitoring blood pressure is important as opioids can cause hypotension, but it is not as critical as monitoring the level of sedation and respiratory status.

D) Level of sedation:
This is the priority because opioids can cause significant sedation and respiratory depression. Assessing the level of sedation helps determine if the client is at risk of further complications like respiratory arrest. Over-sedation can be a precursor to more serious complications, making this assessment crucial.

A. Reduced respiratory rate B. Elevated blood pressure C. Constricted pupils D. Decreased heart rate

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Reduced respiratory rate:
Acute pain typically triggers an increased respiratory rate rather than a reduced one. Pain activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased respiratory effort as the body prepares to fight or flee.

B) Elevated blood pressure:
Elevated blood pressure is a common physiological response to acute pain. Pain activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, which constrict blood vessels and increase heart rate and blood pressure.

C) Constricted pupils:
Pain often causes pupil dilation rather than constriction. The body's fight-or-flight response to pain involves pupil dilation to enhance visual acuity and peripheral vision, allowing individuals to detect potential threats in their environment.

D) Decreased heart rate:
Acute pain typically results in an increased heart rate rather than a decreased one. Pain triggers the release of adrenaline, which increases heart rate as part of the body's stress response to prepare for action.

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Which assessment finding will the nurse expect for a patient with the following laboratory values: sodium 145 mEq/L, potassium 45 mq, calcium 45 mg/dL?

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