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 A
Explanation
"I changed the floor plan of our home to accommodate my father's wheelchair.”.
Choice A rationale:
This statement indicates acceptance of the role change as a caregiver for the aging parents. Making changes to the home to accommodate the father's wheelchair demonstrates the client's willingness to adapt and provide a suitable environment for caregiving.
Choice B rationale:
Feeling stressed out and overwhelmed does not necessarily indicate acceptance of the role change. It may reflect the challenges and emotional burden that come with caregiving but does not necessarily signify acceptance.
Choice C rationale:
Expressing frustration with caregiving does not necessarily indicate acceptance of the role change. It is normal to feel frustrated at times, especially when dealing with chronic illnesses, but acceptance involves embracing the responsibilities that come with the role.
Choice D rationale:
While the statement shows a willingness to learn and adapt to caregiving, it does not explicitly indicate acceptance of the role change. Acceptance involves acknowledging and embracing the new responsibilities and challenges fully.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer: D. Contact the provider who will be performing the procedure.
Rationale:
A) Provide teaching about the surgical procedure for the client:
While nurses play an essential role in patient education, it is the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure to ensure the patient fully understands the details, risks, and benefits. Nurses can clarify information but should not provide the initial comprehensive explanation of the procedure.
B) Instruct the client's spouse to sign the consent form:
The client is the one who needs to provide informed consent, not the spouse, unless the client is legally unable to do so. In such cases, legal documentation, such as a power of attorney, is required. Instructing the spouse to sign without proper authorization is inappropriate and potentially legally problematic.
C) Read the consent form to the client using words the client will understand:
While simplifying the language of the consent form can help, it is not sufficient if the client does not fully understand the procedure. Full understanding requires a detailed discussion about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, which should be done by the provider performing the procedure.
D) Contact the provider who will be performing the procedure:
The provider performing the procedure has the responsibility to ensure the client understands all aspects of the surgery. Contacting the provider to provide a thorough explanation ensures that the client receives accurate and complete information, allowing for truly informed consent.
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