Which electrolyte imbalance will cause leg cramps, constipation, shallow respirations, and cardiac dysrhythmias?
Hypokalemia
Hypocalcemia
Hypomagnesemia
Hyponatremia
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hypokalemia: Hypokalemia, or low serum potassium, affects the excitability of muscles and cardiac cells. It can lead to leg cramps due to impaired muscle contraction, constipation from decreased smooth muscle activity, shallow respirations from weakened respiratory muscles, and cardiac dysrhythmias caused by altered myocardial conduction.
B. Hypocalcemia: Hypocalcemia primarily causes neuromuscular excitability, resulting in tetany, paresthesia, and positive Chvostek or Trousseau signs. While it may produce muscle cramps, it is less likely to cause constipation or shallow respirations in the pattern seen with hypokalemia.
C. Hypomagnesemia: Low magnesium levels can cause neuromuscular irritability, tremors, and tetany. Cardiac dysrhythmias may occur, but constipation and shallow respirations are not classic features, and leg cramps are less prominent compared to hypokalemia.
D. Hyponatremia: Hyponatremia affects fluid balance and neurological function, causing confusion, lethargy, headache, or seizures. It does not typically produce leg cramps, constipation, shallow respirations, or the characteristic dysrhythmias associated with potassium depletion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Antidiuretic hormone:Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) promotes water reabsorption in the kidneys by increasing the permeability of the distal tubules and collecting ducts. It conserves water and increases blood volume, rather than promoting excretion of sodium and water.
B. Atrial natriuretic peptide:Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is released by the atria in response to increased blood volume and pressure. It promotes sodium and water excretion by the kidneys, leading to decreased blood volume and reduced blood pressure, thereby helping maintain fluid balance.
C. Aldosterone:Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid from the adrenal cortex, promotes sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion in the kidneys. This action conserves sodium and water, increasing blood volume, rather than promoting their excretion.
D. Adrenalin:Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a catecholamine that primarily affects the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate, contractility, and vasoconstriction. It does not directly regulate sodium or water excretion and does not play a primary role in fluid balance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. In the interstitial space:The interstitial space contains extracellular fluid, but only a small fraction of the body’s potassium is located here. Potassium is primarily an intracellular ion, so the interstitial space accounts for a minor portion of total potassium.
B. Inside the blood vessels:Potassium in the blood vessels represents the intravascular component of extracellular fluid. While serum potassium is measured clinically, it makes up only about 2% of total body potassium.
C. In the plasma:Plasma is part of the extracellular fluid and contains potassium, but like the interstitial and intravascular compartments, it holds only a small fraction of total body potassium.
D. Inside the cell:The majority of the body’s potassium, approximately 98%, is located intracellularly, mainly within muscle and liver cells. Intracellular potassium is essential for maintaining resting membrane potential, nerve conduction, and muscle contraction.
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