A client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department (ED) and the cardiac monitor shows multifocal premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Initial laboratory findings are as follows: The nurse recognizes that the client's PVCs are most likely caused by:

Potassium 2.8 mEq/L

Sodium 133 mEq/L

Chloride 90 mEq/L

Glucose 200 mg/dl

Magnesium 2.5 mg/dL

Calcium 8.0 mg/dL

hypermagnesemia.

hypocalcemia.

hypokalemia.

hyperglycemia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hypermagnesemia: Hypermagnesemia (high magnesium levels) can cause bradycardia, hypotension, and prolonged PR and QRS intervals. While it can affect cardiac rhythm, it's less commonly associated with PVCs. The client's magnesium level of 2.5 mg/dL is within the normal range (1.5-2.5 mg/dL).

B. Hypocalcemia: While the calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL is slightly low (normal: ~8.5–10.5 mg/dL), mild hypocalcemia is less commonly associated with PVCs compared to hypokalemia. It can affect cardiac contractility but is not the most likely cause of these arrhythmias.

C. Hypokalemia: The potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L, which is significantly below normal (normal: 3.5–5.0 mEq/L). Potassium is a crucial electrolyte for maintaining normal cardiac electrical activity. Hypokalemia increases myocardial excitability and can lead to various cardiac dysrhythmias and a known cause of ventricular irritability, including multifocal PVCs, and increases the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias in clients with cardiac or metabolic conditions.

D. Hyperglycemia: The glucose level of 200 mg/dL is elevated but not severely high. While it reflects poor glycemic control, it is not directly linked to the occurrence of PVCs. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium, are more arrhythmogenic.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Maintain the infusion because the client had a cardiac arrest: While epinephrine is essential during cardiac arrest, continuing a high-dose infusion post-resuscitation without reassessment may lead to complications like tachycardia, hypertension, and increased myocardial oxygen demand.

B. Continue to monitor the client's rhythm closely: Ongoing monitoring is important, but it is a passive intervention. The heart rate of 120 bpm may reflect excessive adrenergic stimulation from epinephrine, and further action is needed to prevent deterioration.

C. Suggest that the client's medication be changed to norepinephrine: Norepinephrine is another vasopressor that has less of a beta-1 adrenergic effect compared to epinephrine. It is primarily used for hypotension and septic shock, not as a direct substitute for epinephrine post-cardiac arrest. Changing to another vasopressor without indication is not the best initial step.

D. Ask the physician if the dose can be decreased: A heart rate of 120 bpm may indicate that the epinephrine dose is too high, causing sympathetic overstimulation. Prolonged or excessive tachycardia increases myocardial oxygen demand, which can be detrimental, especially in a post-arrest heart. Decreasing the dose can help prevent arrhythmias or myocardial ischemia, making this the most appropriate and proactive action.

A. vegetative embolization to the kidneys. B. hemolysis of red blood cells by hemolytic microorganisms. C. septicemia resulting in decreased glomerular blood flow. D. bacterial infection in the kidneys.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. vegetative embolization to the kidneys: Infective endocarditis is an infection of the heart valves or the endocardium. Vegetations (clumps of bacteria, fibrin, and platelets) can form on the damaged heart structures. These vegetations are fragile and can break off, forming emboli that travel through the bloodstream to various organs. Embolization to the kidneys can cause renal infarction, leading to sharp flank pain due to ischemia or infarction of kidney tissue and hematuria.

B. hemolysis of red blood cells by hemolytic microorganisms: While some bacteria can cause hemolysis, it is not typically associated with localized flank pain. Hemolysis would present with systemic signs such as jaundice, fatigue, and anemia, not acute flank pain and visible hematuria.

C. septicemia resulting in decreased glomerular blood flow: Septicemia may impair renal perfusion over time but would more likely lead to generalized signs of acute kidney injury, such as oliguria and rising creatinine levels, rather than acute flank pain and hematuria.

D. bacterial infection in the kidneys: Acute pyelonephritis can cause flank pain and hematuria, but in the context of infective endocarditis, embolic events are a more likely and urgent explanation for new-onset symptoms, particularly sharp localized pain.

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Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Sodium 133 mEq/L
Chloride 90 mEq/L
Glucose 200 mg/dl
Magnesium 2.5 mg/dL
Calcium 8.0 mg/dL

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who has been successfully resuscitated following a cardiac arrest and is now on an IV infusion of epinephrine. The cardiac monitor shows a heart rate of 120 beats/minute. What should be the nurse's best action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The client hospitalized with infective endocarditis develops sharp flank pain and hematuria. The nurse notifies the physician, recognizing that these clinical manifestations may indicate:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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