A nurse is assessing a client who has a decreased potassium level. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Muscle weakness
Hyperreflexia
Chvostek's sign
Seizures
The Correct Answer is A
A. Muscle weakness: Potassium is essential for normal neuromuscular function, and a low serum potassium level disrupts muscle cell excitability and contractility. As a result, clients may present with generalized weakness, particularly in the lower extremities, and may have difficulty with mobility or respiration if the weakness progresses.
B. Hyperreflexia: Hyperreflexia is more commonly associated with elevated calcium or magnesium imbalances rather than decreased potassium. Hypokalemia typically causes reduced neuromuscular excitability, which would result in diminished or absent reflexes rather than increased reflex activity. Therefore, hyperreflexia is not an expected finding in a client with low potassium.
C. Chvostek's sign: Chvostek’s sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. It is elicited by tapping the facial nerve, resulting in twitching of the facial muscles. This sign indicates increased neuromuscular excitability due to low calcium levels, which is unrelated to potassium regulation. It is not expected in cases of decreased potassium.
D. Seizures: Seizures are more commonly linked with abnormalities in sodium or calcium levels, particularly hyponatremia or severe hypocalcemia. While severe hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle paralysis, it is not typically associated with seizures. Therefore, seizures are not a standard finding in clients with hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
A. Legumes: Legumes, such as beans and lentils, are rich in protein but do not contain all nine essential amino acids in sufficient amounts, making them incomplete proteins. To achieve a complete amino acid profile, legumes must be combined with other protein sources, such as grains. Therefore, legumes are not classified as complete proteins on their own.
B. Eggs: Eggs are a high-quality source of protein and contain all nine essential amino acids in the appropriate proportions needed by the human body. They are considered one of the most biologically complete protein sources and are often used as the reference standard for evaluating protein quality in other foods.
C. Poultry: Poultry, such as chicken and turkey, provides all the essential amino acids required for protein synthesis in the body. It is classified as a complete protein and is a valuable source of high-quality animal protein in the human diet. Poultry supports tissue repair, immune function, and muscle maintenance.
D. Grains: Grains like rice, wheat, and oats contain some essential amino acids but lack others, such as lysine, making them incomplete proteins. To form a complete protein, grains need to be eaten in combination with other sources, such as legumes. Alone, they do not fulfill the criteria for a complete protein.
E. Nuts: Nuts are rich in healthy fats and protein, but they do not contain all essential amino acids in sufficient quantities. Like legumes and grains, nuts are incomplete proteins and must be combined with other plant-based foods to form a complete protein profile. Therefore, they are not included as complete proteins in this context.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Increased thirst: This is typically a manifestation of hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia can lead to dehydration due to the body’s attempt to flush out excess glucose through urine, which then causes increased thirst.
B. Urinary frequency: Urinary frequency is also a symptom commonly associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels are too high, the kidneys try to remove excess glucose, leading to frequent urination causing polyuria and is typically seen in hyperglycemic states, not in low blood sugar situations.
C. Weakness: Weakness is a classic symptom of hypoglycemia. When blood glucose levels drop too low, the body does not have enough fuel to function properly, leading to fatigue and weakness. This symptom is often experienced as one of the early signs of hypoglycemia and should be closely monitored in diabetic patients.
D. Skin flushing: Flushed skin is not a typical feature of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia more commonly causes cool, pale, and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation.
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