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
Answer: D. The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:
Rationale:
A) The nurse files an incident report regarding a medication error:
Filing an incident report about a medication error is an important action for ensuring safety and quality improvement within the healthcare setting. However, it is primarily a procedural and administrative task rather than an act of direct advocacy for an individual client's needs or rights.
B) The nurse provides wound care to a client at the time promised to the client:
Providing wound care as promised demonstrates reliability and adherence to care plans, which is essential for trust and effective nursing practice. While this action shows respect for the client's needs and preferences, it does not specifically address the broader role of advocacy, which often involves intervening on behalf of the client's best interests in more complex situations.
C) The nurse declines to inform a client's neighbor about the client's prognosis:
Maintaining client confidentiality by not sharing private information with unauthorized individuals is a fundamental aspect of ethical nursing practice. This action protects the client's privacy but is more about upholding legal and ethical standards than actively advocating for the client's overall well-being or specific needs.
D) The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:
Referring a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to palliative care services exemplifies client advocacy. This action recognizes the client's need for comprehensive support, focusing on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing holistic care. It involves proactive steps to address the client's complex health needs, ensuring they receive appropriate and compassionate care beyond standard medical treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
the correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of skin cancer that develops in basal cells, a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells1.One of the common symptoms of BCC is a pearly white, skin-colored or pink bump1.This can also appear as a shiny or pearly nodule with a smooth surface2.Therefore, a pearly, waxy nodule is a characteristic lesion of basal cell carcinoma
Choice B rationale: An irregular border on a variegated-colored lesion is more commonly associated with melanoma, another type of skin cancer, rather than basal cell carcinoma1.While BCC can have a variety of appearances, an irregular border on a variegated-colored lesion is not typically characteristic of BCC
Choice C rationale: A firm, nodular, crusty, or ulcerated lesion can be a sign of several types of skin conditions, including squamous cell carcinoma, another type of skin cancer1.While BCC can sometimes appear as a firm nodule1, the description of a crusty or ulcerated lesion is not as characteristic of BCC as a pearly, waxy nodule
Choice D rationale: A weeping vesicle is not typically associated with basal cell carcinoma1.BCC lesions are more likely to appear as a shiny bump or nodule, or a flat, scaly patch1.A weeping vesicle could be indicative of a different skin condition
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