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. Measuring abdominal girth can help monitor the aneurysm.
B. Auscultation is safe and may reveal bruits associated with aneurysms.
C. Palpation of the abdominal midline area is dangerous and can risk rupturing the aneurysm, requiring further education.
D. Observation is non-invasive and safe.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Intermittent claudication is characterized by cramping pain in the legs during physical activity, such as walking, due to insufficient blood flow, typically caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This statement aligns with the symptoms of claudication.
B. Shortness of breath during physical exertion is more indicative of cardiovascular or pulmonary issues, not intermittent claudication.
C. Swelling in the feet from standing for extended periods is more consistent with venous insufficiency rather than intermittent claudication.
D. Pain in the fingers due to cold weather suggests Raynaud’s phenomenon, not intermittent claudication.
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