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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement indicates the client's fear and concern about the colostomy's odor, showing a lack of adaptation to the situation.
Choice B rationale:
Comparing the stoma to a strawberry with a hole in it might suggest the client is not fully accepting or understanding the colostomy, indicating a lack of adaptation.
Choice C rationale:
This statement suggests that the client has delegated the task of emptying the colostomy bag to their partner, which indicates a level of acceptance and adaptation to the new situation.
The client trusts their partner with this intimate task, demonstrating a positive sign of adaptation.
Choice D rationale:
Eliminating many foods from the diet suggests difficulty in adjusting to the dietary changes required for managing a colostomy, indicating a lack of full adaptation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
A three-prong plug attached to the electrical cord of the client's bed is not a safety hazard. It is a standard plug type used in many electrical devices and poses no immediate danger if properly installed.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a protective cover into an unused outlet is actually a safety measure to prevent electrical accidents. It is not a hazard but a recommended practice.
Choice C rationale:
Plugging an IV pump into an outlet near a sink is a safety hazard. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and any spill or leakage around the outlet could lead to electrical shock or damage to the equipment.
Choice D rationale:
Coiling and securing an electrical cord to the floor can be a potential tripping hazard, but it is not as hazardous as having an electrical device near a sink. Tripping hazards can cause falls, while the combination of water and electricity is more likely to cause serious injuries.
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