A client’s bloodwork indicates that he has severe hypokalemia.
What is a priority nursing intervention?
Place the client on a cardiac monitor.
Administer a laxative as ordered.
Place the client on seizure precautions.
Restrict high potassium foods.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood) can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention. A cardiac monitor can help detect and treat any arrhythmia that may occur.
Choice B is wrong because administering a laxative can worsen hypokalemia by causing more potassium loss through the digestive tract. Laxative use is one of the possible causes of hypokalemia.
Choice C is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. Seizures are not a common symptom of hypokalemia, although muscle weakness and cramps may occur.
Choice D is wrong because restricting high potassium foods is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. In fact, increasing potassium intake through foods or supplements may be helpful in less serious cases of hypokalemia. However, this should be done according to the doctor’s recommendation and with careful monitoring of blood potassium levels.
Normal blood potassium levels for an adult range from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life threatening.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
These are signs of anemia, which is a condition in which the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, cold hands and feet, dizziness, reduced immunity and shortness of breath.
Choice A is wrong because bradypnea is abnormally slow breathing, which is not a sign of anemia. Anemia can cause tachypnea, which is abnormally fast breathing.
Choice E is wrong because flushed skin is not a sign of anemia. Anemia can cause pallor, which is pale or yellowish skin.
Flushed skin can be a sign of other conditions, such as fever, infection or allergic reaction.
Normal ranges for hemoglobin levels vary depending on age and gender. For adult males, the normal range is 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter (g/dL) of blood. For adult females, the normal range is 12 to 15.5 g/dL of blood.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Fibromyalgia often co-exists with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine and other types of headaches. One of the main symptoms of fibromyalgia is widespread pain that has lasted for at least three months. To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist. The pain could also be felt in specific areas called tender points. These are places on the body where even light pressure causes pain. There are 18 possible tender points on the body. Having pain in at least 11 of these points is one way to help diagnose fibromyalgia.
Choice A is wrong because chronic ocular pain related to stress, fatigue, and certain triggers is not a typical symptom of fibromyalgia.
Ocular pain is more likely to be caused by other conditions, such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, or eye infections.
Choice B is wrong because pain and sensitivity in the upper extremities and neck are not enough to indicate fibromyalgia. The pain must be widespread and affect both sides of the body and above and below the waist. Choice C is wrong because dull joint pain that accompanies physical exertion and which is relieved with rest is not a characteristic of fibromyalgia. The pain associated with fibromyalgia is often described as a constant dull ache that does not improve with rest. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and sleep problems.
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