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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Irritable: Irritability is more closely associated with emotional responses to stress rather than cognitive responses. While irritability can be a manifestation of stress, it primarily reflects emotional tension rather than cognitive impairment.
B) Lethargic: Lethargy is a physical response to stress rather than a cognitive one. It refers to a lack of energy, motivation, or enthusiasm, which can result from stress-induced fatigue or exhaustion.
C) Angry: Anger is also primarily an emotional response to stress rather than a cognitive one. While stress can contribute to feelings of anger or frustration, it does not directly reflect cognitive impairment or alterations in cognitive functioning.
D) Decreased attention to detail: Cognitive responses to stress can include difficulty concentrating, decreased attention to detail, memory problems, and impaired decision-making. When a client demonstrates decreased attention to detail, it indicates cognitive impairment or distraction, which can be a response to stress. This behavior suggests that the client's cognitive functioning is affected by the stress they are experiencing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer: B. The padding of the restraints is against the client's bony prominences.
A. The nurse can insert one finger between the client's wrist and the restraint.
The proper guideline is that the nurse should be able to insert two fingers between the client's wrist and the restraint. This ensures the restraint is snug but not too tight, which helps prevent impaired circulation and skin breakdown.
B. The padding of the restraints is against the client's bony prominences.
This is the correct practice. The padding of the restraints should always be applied to protect the client’s skin and prevent injury, particularly over bony prominences where the risk of pressure sores or skin breakdown is higher.
C. The AP ties the straps of the restraints in a double knot.
A double knot should not be used because it can make it difficult to quickly release the restraint in an emergency. A quick-release knot should always be used to ensure the restraint can be removed easily and promptly if needed.
D. The AP ties the restraints to the side rails.
Restraints should never be tied to movable parts like side rails, as raising or lowering the side rails could cause injury. Restraints should be secured to a part of the bed frame that does not move to prevent harm to the client.
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