A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
Muscle twitching
Bounding pulse
Hypertension
Decreased bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is A
A) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching, also known as tetany, is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching. This is a key clinical sign that helps in diagnosing hypocalcemia.
B) Bounding pulse:
A bounding pulse is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Instead, it is more often seen in conditions such as fluid overload or hyperdynamic circulatory states, where there is increased cardiac output or vascular volume.
C) Hypertension:
Hypertension is not a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause hypotension due to its effect on cardiac contractility and vascular tone, rather than causing high blood pressure.
D) Decreased bowel sounds:
Decreased bowel sounds are not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia affects neuromuscular function, but it typically causes increased gastrointestinal motility rather than decreased motility, which would lead to hyperactive bowel sounds rather than decreased ones.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Irrigate the affected ear with hydrogen peroxide: Irrigating the ear with hydrogen peroxide is not recommended post-myringotomy. This can cause irritation or infection at the surgical site, which could impede healing and potentially worsen the condition.
B) Drink liquids through a straw: Drinking liquids through a straw can create pressure changes in the ear, which is not advisable post-myringotomy. These pressure changes might affect the healing process of the ear.
C) Swimming is permitted after 1 week: Swimming is typically restricted for a longer period post-myringotomy to prevent water from entering the ear, which can lead to infection or interfere with the healing process.
D) Air travel is allowed after 3 weeks: Air travel restrictions are generally recommended for a few weeks post-myringotomy due to pressure changes that occur during flight, which can affect the ear's healing process. Waiting for 3 weeks allows the surgical site to heal sufficiently, reducing the risk of complications from pressure changes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Metabolic acidosis: In metabolic acidosis, you would expect a low pH (acidosis) with a low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level. However, the given bicarbonate level is within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), which indicates the acidosis is not metabolic in origin.
B) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH (alkalosis) and an elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) level. The pH in this case is low, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate level is normal, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.
C) Respiratory alkalosis: In respiratory alkalosis, you would see a high pH (alkalosis) and a low PaCO2 due to hyperventilation. The given pH is low, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated, which is inconsistent with respiratory alkalosis.
D) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (acidosis) and an elevated PaCO2 due to hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange. The client's ABG results show a low pH (7.2), a normal bicarbonate level (26 mEq/L), and an elevated PaCO2 (52 mm Hg), indicating the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis.
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