A client recovering from cardiac surgery experiences a dysrhythmia, noted on the telemetry monitor. Which assessment finding is most likely to have contributed to the development of the dysrhythmia?

Reference Range:

Total Calcium [8.4 to 10.6 mg/dL (2.10 to 2.50 mmol/L)]

Sodium [136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)]

Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

Calcium level 7.2 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L).

Potassium level 3.8 mg/dl. (3.8 mmol)

Sodium level 140 mEq/L (140mmol/L).

Oxygen saturation level 97%.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   This calcium level is below the normal reference range (8.4 to 10.6 mg/dL or 2.10 to 2.50 mmol/L), indicating hypocalcemia. Calcium plays a crucial role in cardiac muscle contraction and electrical conduction. Low calcium levels can lead to various cardiac dysrhythmias, including prolonged QT intervals and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias.

B.   This potassium level falls within the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L). Potassium is essential for maintaining normal cardiac rhythm, but a level of 3.8 mg/dL is not abnormal and, therefore, is less likely to be the cause of a dysrhythmia compared to abnormal levels.
C.   This sodium level is within the normal reference range (136 to 145 mEq/L or 136 to 145 mmol/L). Sodium levels typically do not directly cause dysrhythmias unless they are extremely high or low, which is not the case here. Thus, a sodium level of 140 mEq/L is not likely to be the primary contributor to the dysrhythmia.
D.   This oxygen saturation level is considered normal (95% to 100%). While oxygenation is critical for overall heart function and can influence cardiac health, a saturation level of 97% is not likely to be a direct cause of a dysrhythmia, especially if it falls within the normal range.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While excessive consumption of certain beverages can potentially affect urinary health, diet drinks are generally not a primary risk factor for UTIs. The key risk factors for UTIs typically involve issues related to urinary retention, hygiene, and anatomical predispositions rather than beverage consumption alone.
B. Not voiding when the urge occurs, also known as urinary retention, can increase the risk of UTIs. When urine is retained in the bladder for extended periods, it can provide an environment where bacteria can proliferate, leading to infections. This behavior is a significant risk factor for developing UTIs, as it contributes to urinary stasis.
C. A multipara with a history of pyelonephritis is at increased risk for future UTIs. A history of pyelonephritis indicates that the client has experienced a serious urinary infection in the past, which could make her more susceptible to recurrent infections. This is a significant risk factor for developing UTIs again.
D. Urinary incontinence, especially in older adults, can be associated with increased risk for UTIs due to factors like poor hygiene, the presence of residual urine, and possible skin breakdown. While incontinence is a risk factor, it is often considered less directly related to recurrent UTIs compared to issues like urinary retention or a history of severe infections.

A. Anxiety B. Hyperglycemia C. Fever D. Dyspnea.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Anxiety is a common symptom in patients with thyrotoxicosis due to increased metabolic activity and overstimulation of the nervous system. While anxiety can be distressing, it is not typically life- threatening and does not usually require immediate intervention.
B. Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) can occur in patients with thyrotoxicosis due to increased metabolic rate and potential effects on insulin sensitivity. It requires monitoring and management but typically does not demand immediate intervention unless it is severe and causing other complications.
C. Fever can be a sign of thyroid storm, a severe form of thyrotoxicosis that can be life-threatening. Elevated body temperature in the context of thyrotoxicosis requires prompt assessment as it may indicate an underlying severe condition or complications.
D. Dyspnea is a critical symptom that warrants immediate intervention. In the context of thyrotoxicosis, it may indicate a severe complication such as heart failure, thyroid storm, or respiratory distress. Given that dyspnea can lead to compromised oxygenation and potentially life-threatening situations, it is the most urgent symptom to address.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is developing a teaching handout for female clients who return to the clinic for recurring urinary tract infections (UTI). Which client has the greatest risk for developing a UTI?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client admitted with thyrotoxicosis is reporting a "pounding heart in the chest." Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse assesses an adult client 24 hours following abdominal surgery and finds the client's blood pressure is 98/40 mm Hg. The client is tachycardiac, restless, and irritable. Which action should the nurse perform first?

The client's laboratory results indicate that the serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take? Reference Range: Potassium (K+) [3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L)]

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The nurse reviews discharge instructions with a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize?