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
Choice A rationale:
Narcotics are not known to directly cause hypokalemia. Their main effects are related to pain relief and central nervous system depression.
Choice B rationale:
Thiazide diuretics can cause potassium loss in the urine, leading to hypokalemia. These diuretics work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, which can lead to potassium excretion as well.
Choice C rationale:
Corticosteroids can cause sodium and water retention but are not typically associated with significant potassium abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
Muscle relaxers are not known to cause hypokalemia. They primarily act on the neuromuscular junction and do not directly impact potassium levels.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C"}
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Target conditions are not mentioned in the sentence, and there is no context to suggest their relevance to the client's situation.
Choice B rationale:
Hyperactive reflexes are not commonly associated with a urinary tract infection or the prescribed medications.
Choice C rationale:
The client with a urinary tract infection and the medications mentioned (Furosemide and Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) are at an increased risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to Furosemide's diuretic effect, fluid volume deficit (dehydration) from the infection, and hypertension (high blood pressure) as a potential side effect of Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Choice D rationale:
Urinary retention is not expected in a client with a urinary tract infection; it is more commonly associated with urinary obstruction or other urinary conditions unrelated to an infection.
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