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 []

Explanation

Potential Condition
Poor healing of stage 2 pressure injury
The stage 2 pressure injury on the right trochanter with minimal drainage and pain suggests poor healing, which is often due to a combination of factors including immobility, malnutrition, and other risk factors. The Braden Scale score reflects several high-risk areas that contribute to the poor healing of the pressure injury.
Actions to Take

1. Apply pressure reduction mattress to bed
A pressure reduction mattress helps alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas and can significantly reduce the risk of further injury and promote healing. It is a crucial intervention for managing pressure injuries and preventing new ones.
2. Request service of wound care nurse
Consulting a wound care nurse can provide specialized assessment and treatment for the pressure injury. This professional can recommend advanced wound care techniques and products to support optimal healing and address any complications.
Parameters to Monitor

1. Progression of wound
Monitoring the progression of the wound involves assessing changes in size, depth, and appearance of the pressure injury. This helps evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and the rate of healing.
2. Adherence to repositioning schedule

Regular repositioning is crucial to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas and prevent further injury. Ensuring that the client is repositioned according to the schedule helps prevent pressure ulcers from worsening and supports healing.
Incorrect conditions

Immobility: Although immobility is a factor in pressure injuries, the direct intervention would be to improve mobility, not necessarily apply to the current situation.
Dehydration: While dehydration can affect skin health and healing, the primary condition here is the poor healing of the pressure injury rather than dehydration itself.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition can impair wound healing, but the immediate action would be more related to wound care and pressure relief. Nutrition might be addressed separately through dietary interventions.

A. The client's chest x-ray Indicates decreased pleural effusion. B. The client's arterial blood gas result is a pH 7.35, PaCO, 35 mm Hg, HCO,-26 mEq (26 mmol/L), PaO, 85 mm Hg. C. The client has asymmetrical chest wall expansion. D. The client reports pain at the insertion site.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A decreased pleural effusion on a chest x-ray is generally a positive outcome following a thoracentesis. It indicates that the procedure was successful in removing the excess fluid. This finding does not warrant immediate intervention and is expected after the procedure.
B. The pH of 7.35 indicates acidosis (normal range is 7.35 to 7.45). The PaCO₂ is on the lower end of normal, suggesting that if there is an acid-base imbalance, it might be metabolic or mixed. The HCO₃⁻ is within normal limits, indicating no metabolic component. The PaO₂ is slightly below the normal range (80-100 mm Hg), which could be a concern but is not critically low.
C. Asymmetrical chest wall expansion can indicate a complication such as pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), which could occur as a complication of thoracentesis. This finding warrants immediate intervention because it may signify a serious issue that requires prompt attention, such as the need for a chest tube or further evaluation.
D. Pain at the insertion site is expected following a thoracentesis and is generally not an urgent concern unless it is severe or associated with other symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection. This type of pain is usually managed with analgesics and does not typically require immediate intervention unless accompanied by more serious symptoms.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

A client with a large pleural effusion undergoes a thoracentesis. Following the procedure, which observation warrants immediate intervention by the nurse? Reference Range: Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) pH [7.35 to 7.45] PaCO, [35 to 45 mm Hg] HCO 21 to 28 mEq/L (21 to 28 mmol/L)] PaO2 [80 to 100 mm Hg]

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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