A nurse cares for a patient who has a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes. Which should the nurse implement first?

Provide a heart healthy low potassium diet

Prepare to administer sodium polystyrene sulfate 15g by mouth

Prepare the patient for hemodialysis treatment

Prepare to administer dextrose 20% and 10 units of regular insulin IV push

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Provide a heart-healthy low-potassium diet:

While a heart-healthy low-potassium diet is essential for managing chronic hyperkalemia and preventing future occurrences, it is not the first intervention to implement in a patient with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L and exhibiting cardiovascular changes. The effects of dietary changes on serum potassium levels are gradual and may take days to have a significant impact. In an acute situation like this, immediate interventions are needed to rapidly lower potassium levels and address the associated cardiovascular risks.

B. Prepare to administer sodium polystyrene sulfate 15g by mouth:

Sodium polystyrene sulfate is a medication used to exchange sodium for potassium in the gastrointestinal tract, effectively lowering serum potassium levels over hours to days. While it is a valid treatment for hyperkalemia, its onset of action is not immediate enough to address the urgent cardiovascular changes seen in severe hyperkalemia. Therefore, it is not the first-line intervention in this scenario.

C. Prepare the patient for hemodialysis treatment:

Hemodialysis is an effective method for rapidly lowering serum potassium levels in cases of severe hyperkalemia. However, it is a more invasive and time-consuming procedure that requires preparation, including vascular access and dialysis setup. It is typically reserved for situations where other interventions have failed or in patients with severe or refractory hyperkalemia. In the context of this scenario, where the patient has a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes, hemodialysis may be considered if initial interventions are not successful, but it is not the first action to implement.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Prevents complications, such as meningitis or pneumonitis

While oral acyclovir can be effective in managing HSV infections and reducing the severity of symptoms, it is not primarily used to prevent complications such as meningitis or pneumonitis. These complications may occur in severe cases of HSV infections, but oral acyclovir's main goal is to manage outbreaks and reduce symptoms.

B. Decreases the probability of recurrent outbreaks

Oral acyclovir can help reduce the frequency of recurrent outbreaks in individuals with HSV infections. However, it does not completely eliminate the probability of recurrent outbreaks. Some individuals may still experience occasional outbreaks even with regular use of oral acyclovir. The medication is more focused on managing outbreaks when they occur rather than preventing them entirely.

C. Shortens the outbreak and lessens the severity of symptoms

This option is the correct choice. Oral acyclovir is effective in shortening the duration of HSV outbreaks and reducing the severity of symptoms such as pain, itching, and lesions. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus, which helps in faster healing and symptom relief. However, it does not cure the infection or eliminate the virus from the body.

D. Eliminates the likelihood of spreading the infection to others

While oral acyclovir can help manage outbreaks and reduce viral shedding, it does not completely eliminate the risk of spreading the infection to others. It can reduce the likelihood of transmission during active outbreaks, but individuals with HSV can still shed the virus and be contagious even when they are not experiencing visible symptoms. Therefore, other precautions such as practicing safe sex and avoiding close contact during outbreaks are also important for preventing transmission.

A. Decreased plasma volume B. Diuresis C. Hypermagnesemia D. Capillary leak E. Loss of protein

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

A. Decreased plasma volume:Burn injuries cause a significant inflammatory response, leading to fluid shifts from the intravascular space to the interstitial space. This results in hypovolemia and decreased plasma volume, especially during the acute phase of burns.

B. Diuresis:Diuresis typically occurs after fluid resuscitation and stabilization of the client (in the later phase of burn recovery). In the initial phase, oliguria is more common due to hypovolemia and reduced renal perfusion.

C. Hypermagnesemia:Hypermagnesemia is not typically associated with burn injuries. Instead, clients with burns often experience hypomagnesemia due to fluid shifts, protein loss, and increased renal losses.

D. Capillary leak:Burn injuries lead to a systemic inflammatory response, causing capillary leak syndrome. This increases vascular permeability, allowing fluid, electrolytes, and proteins to leak into the interstitial spaces, contributing to edema and hypovolemia.

E. Loss of protein:Proteins are lost through damaged capillaries and open burn wounds, contributing to decreased oncotic pressure, edema, and a need for aggressive nutritional support to promote healing and recovery.

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A nurse cares for a patient who has a serum potassium of 7.5 mEq/L and is exhibiting cardiovascular changes. Which should the nurse implement first?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is prescribed oral acyclovir for type 1 herpes simplex virus. What is the expected outcome if the patient is compliant with the medication regimen?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has burns to approximately 50% of their body. Which of the following physiological changes related to the burns should the nurse anticipate? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

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