A client with acute kidney injury (AKI) has a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. The nurse recognizes that administering IV calcium gluconate to this client will result in which of the following effects?
Potassium will be removed from the body and excreted in the stool.
The heart will be protected from dysrhythmias while the serum potassium is elevated.
Potassium will temporarily shift from the blood into the cells.
Serum potassium levels will increase further due to this medication being administered.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Calcium gluconate does not directly affect the elimination of potassium from the body or its excretion in the stool. It does not act on the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract to remove potassium. Its primary role is to stabilize the cardiac membrane.
B. Calcium gluconate stabilizes the cardiac membrane and reduces the risk of dysrhythmias associated with elevated serum potassium levels. Hyperkalemia can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, and calcium gluconate helps to counteract these effects by protecting the heart muscle.
C. Calcium gluconate does not cause potassium to shift from the blood into the cells. The shift of potassium into cells is typically induced by other treatments such as insulin and glucose or beta- agonists. Calcium gluconate does not have this effect.
D. Calcium gluconate does not increase serum potassium levels. It primarily serves to protect the heart from the effects of high potassium levels. It does not have a direct effect on the potassium level itself but helps manage the consequences of hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Hypertension is a risk factor for kidney disease. However, it can often be managed with medication. Controlled hypertension is not typically a contraindication for a kidney transplant.
B. If the client has maintained sobriety for a significant period, it might not be a contraindication. A history of alcohol abuse would require careful evaluation but doesn't necessarily preclude transplantation.
C. This is a contraindication for kidney transplantation. Severe heart disease can significantly increase the risks associated with surgery and post-transplant care.
D. Hepatitis C can be a challenge but it's not an absolute contraindication. Many transplant centers have protocols for managing hepatitis C-positive recipients.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It's a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. Fluid discharge from the catheter site and an increased white blood cell count are also indicative of infection, supporting the diagnosis of peritonitis.
B. This is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms typically include chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat.
C. This is inflammation of the pleura, the membranes surrounding the lungs. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and dry cough.
D. This would present with severe abdominal pain, hypotension, and signs of shock. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are not typical symptoms.
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