Which client will the nurse observe frequently for indications of hyperkalemia?
Client receiving total parenteral nutrition
Client taking furosemide for chronic heart failure
Client admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis
Client with anxiety-induced hyperventilation
The Correct Answer is C
A. Client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN): TPN is typically formulated with electrolytes, including potassium, but it does not inherently increase the risk of hyperkalemia unless there is an issue with kidney function or an excessive amount of potassium in the formula.
B. Client taking furosemide for chronic heart failure: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the body to excrete potassium through urine, which actually puts the client at risk for hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.
C. Client admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): In DKA, the body produces excess acidic ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis. As a compensatory mechanism, potassium is shifted from the inside of cells into the bloodstream, leading to hyperkalemia, despite actual total body potassium depletion.
D. Client with anxiety-induced hyperventilation: Hyperventilation typically leads to respiratory alkalosis, which may cause a shift in potassium levels but does not directly cause hyperkalemia. Anxiety-induced hyperventilation is less likely to result in hyperkalemia compared to DKA.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Decreased CO2: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2), not a decrease. Decreased CO2 would lead to respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.
B. Overproduction of hydrogen ions: While the overproduction of hydrogen ions can lead to acidosis, this is typically seen in metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the issue is related to CO2 retention, not hydrogen ion production.
C. Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation leads to the exhalation of excessive CO2, which would decrease CO2 levels in the blood. This results in respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.
D. Retention of CO2: Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs are unable to exhale enough CO2, leading to its retention in the blood. This increased CO2 concentration causes a decrease in pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Avoid hanging the IV with K and inform the registered nurse (RN) of the urine output: The low urine output suggests potential renal impairment, which could lead to potassium retention. Administering potassium could cause dangerous hyperkalemia, so it’s important to hold the IV and consult the RN for further evaluation.
B. Run the IV rapidly for 30 minutes to stimulate urine production: Rapid infusion could worsen fluid overload or cause other complications, and it will not address the renal issue causing the low urine output. Potassium should be avoided to prevent complications.
C. Call the physician who ordered the K+: While notifying the physician is important, the immediate priority is to inform the RN, as the potassium infusion should be withheld until renal function is assessed and corrected, if necessary.
D. Hang the IV as ordered and chart the output: Hanging the IV with potassium is risky in this case, as the client may not be able to eliminate potassium due to decreased renal function. Monitoring urine output is crucial before proceeding with potassium administration.
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