Which lab value would be most likely to cause the following dysrhythmia?
Ca 12
Mag 3.1
K+ 2.6
Mag 1.1
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hypercalcemia (Calcium > 10.5 mg/dL) can lead to shortened QT intervals, not prolonged ones, and is unlikely to cause Torsades de Pointes.
B. A magnesium level of 3.1 mEq/L is slightly elevated and would not contribute to QT prolongation or Torsades de Pointes. In fact, magnesium supplementation is a treatment for this condition.
C. Hypokalemia (Potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) can prolong the QT interval and contribute to dysrhythmias, but it is less commonly a direct cause of Torsades de Pointes compared to hypomagnesemia. A potassium level of 2.6 mEq/L is low but would not typically result in Torsades without coexisting hypomagnesemia.
D. Hypomagnesemia (Magnesium < 1.5 mEq/L) disrupts the heart's electrical activity, prolonging the QT interval and increasing the risk of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, like Torsades de Pointes. Magnesium is critical for stabilizing myocardial electrical conduction, and a value of 1.1 mEq/L indicates significant deficiency, consistent with this dysrhythmia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Heparin is an anticoagulant and does not typically cause bronchospasm or wheezing.
B. Morphine can cause respiratory depression but not bronchospasm.
C. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, can cause bronchospasm, particularly in clients with asthma.
D. Nitroglycerin primarily causes vasodilation and does not typically lead to bronchospasm or wheezing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Orthopnea: Orthopnea is difficulty breathing when lying flat, but the client's description of waking up suddenly points to paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
B. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea: This is the correct answer. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea occurs when a client with heart failure wakes up at night feeling suffocated due to fluid redistribution and pulmonary congestion.
C. Pulsus alternans: Pulsus alternans refers to alternating strong and weak heartbeats and is not related to the client's description of nocturnal dyspnea.
D. Acute bilateral pleural effusion: While pleural effusion can cause respiratory symptoms, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is more specific to heart failure.
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