A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. The provider prescribes polystyrene sulfonate. If this medication is effective, the nurse should expect which of the following changes on the client's ECG?
Restoration of QRS Complex amplitude.
Shortening of P-wave duration.
Widening of the QRS complex.
Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D: Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
Choice A rationale:
The amplitude of the QRS complex is not directly affected by changes in serum potassium levels. It represents ventricular depolarization, and its restoration would not be an expected outcome of polystyrene sulfonate treatment
Choice B rationale:
Shortening of the P-wave duration is not an expected change with polystyrene sulfonate treatment. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, which is not significantly impacted by the administration of this medication
Choice C rationale:
Widening of the QRS complex is associated with high serum potassium levels. The goal of polystyrene sulfonate treatment is to lower potassium levels and, thus, return the QRS complex to its normal width
Choice D rationale:
Polystyrene sulfonate aims to reduce serum potassium levels. When effective, this should result in a reduction of T-wave amplitude, which is a common ECG change seen with hyperkalemia
In conclusion, choice D is the correct answer, as a reduction in T-wave amplitude would be the expected change on the client's ECG if polystyrene sulfonate effectively lowers their serum potassium level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Metabolic alkalosis.
Choice A rationale:
The given blood gas results show a pH of 7.53, which is alkaline (above the normal range of
7.35 to 7.45), and a high bicarbonate level of 36 mEq/L (normal range is 22 to 26 mEq/L). This combination indicates metabolic alkalosis, a condition where there is an excessive accumulation of bicarbonate in the blood, leading to increased pH.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by increased blood bicarbonate levels, which can occur due to conditions like vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive ingestion of bicarbonate-containing substances. It results in symptoms such as muscle twitching, tetany, and respiratory depression.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by an elevated blood pH and low carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia). However, the bicarbonate level is not directly related to respiratory alkalosis, making this choice incorrect based on the given information.
Choice D rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased blood pH and low bicarbonate levels. The presented blood gas results show an alkaline pH and high bicarbonate, making this choice incorrect.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A, C, and D.
Choice A rationale:
The administration of sodium bicarbonate helps to correct acidosis, which can occur in chronic renal failure due to the accumulation of metabolic waste products in the absence of effective kidney function.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia, which is common in chronic renal failure due to impaired potassium excretion by the kidneys.
Choice D rationale:
Insulin can be prescribed to treat hyperkalemia by promoting the uptake of potassium into cells, thereby reducing the serum potassium level. Choice B and E rationale: Dextrose 10% and furosemide (Lasix) are not appropriate treatments for hyperkalemia. Dextrose 10% is asugar solution and does not impact potassium levels, while furosemide is a loop diuretic that primarily affects sodium and water excretion, not potassium.
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