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:
Taking colesevelam on an empty stomach is not necessary. This medication can be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing fiber in the diet is generally beneficial for bowel health, but it is not specific to the use of colesevelam powder for oral suspension.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer because if the oral suspension of colesevelam is cloudy after mixing, it indicates that the medication may have degraded or is not suitable for consumption. Discarding the cloudy suspension ensures that the client receives the appropriate dose and effectiveness of the medication.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding grapefruit juice is important for some medications, but it is not relevant to colesevelam. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs, but it does not have a significant effect on colesevelam.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
(Fluticasone) Fluticasone is a corticosteroid inhaler used for the long-term management of asthma symptoms and prevention of asthma attacks. It is not suitable for treating acute asthma
attacks. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for medications to treat an acute asthma attack.
Choice B rationale:
(Albuterol) Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator and the preferred medication for relieving acute asthma symptoms and treating asthma attacks. It works by quickly relaxing the airway muscles, making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack. Therefore, this is the correct choice for medications to treat an acute asthma attack.
Choice C rationale:
(Salmeterol) Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator used for the prevention of asthma symptoms but should not be used for treating acute asthma attacks. It has a slower onset of action compared to short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for medications to treat an acute asthma attack.
Choice D rationale:
(Beclomethasone) Beclomethasone is a corticosteroid inhaler used for long-term asthma management and prevention of asthma symptoms but is not appropriate for treating acute asthma attacks. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for medications to treat an acute asthma attack.
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