A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute kidney failure after a surgical procedure. Telemetry monitoring shows a widened QRS, frequent premature ventricular contractions, and a heart rate of 55/min. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse identify?

Hyperkalemia.

Hypocalcemia.

Hyperglycemia.

Hypophosphatemia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:
The combination of widened QRS, frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and bradycardia (heart rate of 55/min) on telemetry monitoring suggests hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels in the blood can cause delayed repolarization of cardiac cells, leading to widened QRS complexes and PVCs. Bradycardia is another common manifestation of hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale:
Hypocalcemia, characterized by low calcium levels in the blood, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, but it typically presents with a prolonged QT interval rather than widened QRS complexes and PVCs.
Choice C rationale:
Hyperglycemia, which is high blood glucose levels, does not directly affect the electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters like QRS width or heart rate. It may have systemic effects, but it is not responsible for the ECG changes described in the scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphate in the blood, can cause muscle weakness and may have systemic effects, but it is not associated with the specific ECG changes seen in hyperkalemia, such as widened QRS complexes and PVCs.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Difficulty maintaining personal hygiene is not typically an early indication of mild Alzheimer's disease. In the early stages, individuals can still manage personal hygiene.

Choice B rationale:

Difficulty handling finances may occur in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease, but it is not an early indication. In the early stages, the person might still manage financial matters.

Choice C rationale:

Difficulty remembering the names of new friends is a common early sign of mild Alzheimer's disease. It reflects the impairment of short-term memory that often occurs in the early stages of the disease.

Choice D rationale:

Difficulty driving to and from familiar places is more likely to be a mid-to-late-stage symptom of Alzheimer's disease. In the early stages, individuals might still drive familiar routes with minimal difficulty.

A. Severe headache. B. Bradycardia. C. Widened pulse pressure. D. Change in level of consciousness.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Severe headache can be a symptom of a subdural hematoma, but it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other symptoms may appear before a severe headache, such as an altered level of consciousness.

Choice B rationale:

Bradycardia can occur with a subdural hematoma, especially as intracranial pressure increases. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Changes in heart rate may occur later in the progression of the condition.

Choice C rationale:

Widened pulse pressure can also occur in patients with a subdural hematoma due to increased intracranial pressure. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other neurological signs would likely appear before changes in pulse pressure are evident.

Choice D rationale:

Change in level of consciousness is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status with a subdural hematoma. As intracranial pressure increases, the brain's functioning can be affected, leading to alterations in consciousness, ranging from mild confusion to unconsciousness.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acute kidney failure after a surgical procedure. Telemetry monitoring shows a widened QRS, frequent premature ventricular contractions, and a heart rate of 55/min. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse identify?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client for manifestations of mild Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect as an early indication of the disease?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in an emergency department is providing care for a client who has a subdural hematoma. The nurse should identify that which of the following is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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