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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not instruct the older adult client with osteoporosis to increase high-impact activities. Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by decreased bone density and strength, making high-impact activities potentially harmful as they could increase the risk of fractures.
Choice B rationale:
The nurse should not advise the client to consume a low-protein diet. Adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall musculoskeletal health, especially in older adults who may be at risk of muscle wasting.
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should not encourage the client to maintain a BMI of 30 to 35. A BMI within this range is considered obese and can put additional stress on the musculoskeletal system, increasing the risk of joint problems and other health issues.
Choice D rationale:
Including fiber in the diet is a correct instruction for promoting musculoskeletal health. Fiber-rich foods can help maintain bowel regularity and prevent constipation, which is important for overall comfort and mobility in older adults with osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Increased peristalsis would be a positive sign and not indicative of postoperative paralytic ileus. Increased peristalsis would mean the bowel is functioning well.
Choice B rationale:
Abdominal distension is a classic sign of postoperative paralytic ileus, where the bowel's motility is reduced or absent. This condition can lead to a buildup of gas and fluids, causing the abdomen to become distended.
Choice C rationale:
Proximal high-pitched bowel sounds can be a normal finding after surgery, but they are not indicative of paralytic ileus. They may even be heard as the bowel recovers its motility.
Choice D rationale:
Passing flatus is a positive sign, as it indicates that the bowel is working and the patient is passing gas. This is not indicative of a postoperative paralytic ileus, which is characterized by the absence of bowel movement.
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