A home health nurse is making a home visit to a client who takes a daily diuretic for heart failure. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as indicating the client is hypokalemic?
Dyspnea
Oliguria
Pitting edema
Fatigue
The Correct Answer is D
Hypokalemia is a low serum potassium level, usually below 3.5 mEq/L. It can be caused by diuretics that increase potassium excretion, such as thiazides or loop diuretics. Potassium is essential for normal muscle and nerve function, and hypokalemia can impair cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle activity. Symptoms of hypokalemia include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, arrhythmias, constipation, and hyporeflexia.
- Dyspnea is difficulty or labored breathing that can be caused by various respiratory or cardiac conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, or heart failure. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can affect respiratory muscle function and cause respiratory failure.
- Oliguria is a reduced urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day or 30 mL per hour. It can be caused by various renal or fluid balance disorders, such as acute kidney injury, dehydration, or shock. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can impair renal function and cause renal failure.
- Pitting edema is a swelling of the tissues that leaves an indentation when pressed with a finger. It can be caused by various fluid retention disorders, such as heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or nephrotic syndrome. It is not a specific sign of hypokalemia, although severe hypokalemia can affect fluid and electrolyte balance and cause edema.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood flow and comfort.
Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased fluid loss, which can worsen the condition.
Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is not relevant, as it does not affect the temperature or circulation of the feet.
Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inflammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.
Obtaining a pair of slipper socks for the client is a simple and safe way to provide warmth and insulation to the feet, which can improve blood flow and comfort.
Placing a moist heating pad under the client's feet is not recommended, as it can cause burns, vasodilation, or increased fluid loss, which can worsen the condition.
Increasing the client's oral fluid intake is not relevant, as it does not affect the temperature or circulation of the feet.
Rubbing the client's feet briskly for several minutes is not advisable, as it can cause trauma, inflammation, or ulceration to the fragile skin and tissues of the feet.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Taking one tablet at the first indication of chest pain is the correct way to use SL nitroglycerin tablets, as they are fast- acting and can relieve anginal symptoms within minutes. The client should place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve.
Taking one tablet at the first indication of chest pain is the correct way to use SL nitroglycerin tablets, as they are fast- acting and can relieve anginal symptoms within minutes. The client should place the tablet under the tongue and let it dissolve.
Taking this medication after each meal and at bedtime is not appropriate, as SL nitroglycerin tablets are not meant for routine or prophylactic use, but only for acute episodes of angina.
Taking one tablet every 15 min during an acute attack is not correct, as the client should not exceed three doses in 15 min. If the pain is not relieved after three doses, the client should seek emergency medical attention.
Taking this medication with 8 ounces of water is not necessary, as SL nitroglycerin tablets do not need to be swallowed or washed down with water. They should be dissolved under the tongue for optimal absorption.
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