A nurse in an urgent care clinic is collecting data from a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 3 days. Which of the following findings indicates hypokalemia?
Pitting edema
Diplopia
Muscle weakness
Hyperactive bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is C
A nurse collecting data from a client who reports having diarrhea for the past 3 days should identify that muscle weakness is a symptom of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition in which the blood potassium level is low and can be caused by excessive fluid loss through diarrhea. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions, so when blood potassium levels are low, muscles may produce weaker contractions which result in muscle weakness.
The other options are not typical symptoms of hypokalemia.
a) Pitting edema is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
b) Diplopia is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
d) Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a typical symptom of hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should apply a heat pack 5 to 10 minutes prior to the procedure when planning to obtain blood from a newborn via a heel stick. This helps to increase blood flow to the area and makes it easier to obtain the specimen.
a) Puncturing the heel to a depth of 4 mm is too deep and can cause injury to the newborn. The recommended depth for a heel stick is 2.4 mm or less.
b) Withholding feeding prior to collecting the specimen is not necessary.
d) Elevating the newborn's foot for 15 minutes following the procedure is not necessary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
c. Irregular, bulging veins
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot in the deep veins, commonly in the lower extremities. When assessing a client with DVT, the nurse should expect to find irregular, bulging veins in the affected extremity. This is due to the obstruction of blood flow caused by the clot, leading to distension and visible changes in the appearance of the veins.
Explanation for the other options:
a. Absent dorsal pedal pulse: Absent dorsal pedal pulse is not a characteristic finding of DVT. It may be associated with peripheral arterial disease, which is a different condition involving impaired blood flow in the arteries.
b. Shiny, hairless skin: Shiny, hairless skin is not a typical finding in the affected extremity with DVT. In fact,
the skin in the area of the clot may appear red, warm to touch, and swollen.
d. Dull, aching pain: Dull, aching pain may be present in the affected extremity with DVT. However, it is important to note that some individuals with DVT may not experience any pain or may have minimal discomfort. Therefore, the absence of pain does not rule out the possibility of DVT.
In summary, irregular, bulging veins are an expected finding in the affected extremity of a client with deep- vein thrombosis (DVT). It is important for the nurse to recognize and report these signs promptly to facilitate appropriate management and prevention of complications associated with DVT.
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