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 ["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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client with a phosphate level of 5.7 mg/dL likely has a manifestation of hypoparathyroidism. Hypoparathyroidism leads to decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, which causes increased renal phosphate reabsorption, leading to elevated phosphate levels in the blood.
Choice B rationale:
A calcium level of 9.8 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5-10.2 mg/dL) and does not indicate hypoparathyroidism.
Choice C rationale:
A vitamin D level of 25 ng/mL is within the normal range (30-100 ng/mL) and does not suggest hypoparathyroidism.
Choice D rationale:
A magnesium level of 1.8 mEq/L is within the normal range (1.7-2.2 mEq/L) and does not directly indicate hypoparathyroidism.
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