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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Graham crackers are a good snack option for toddlers. They are easy to eat and can be paired with other healthy foods such as fruit or nut buter.
The other options are not correct because:
a) Marshmallows are not recommended as a healthy snack for toddlers.
c) Almonds are not recommended for toddlers due to their choking hazard .
d) Carrot sticks can be a healthy snack option for toddlers, but they should be cut into thin strips to reduce the risk of choking .
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.
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