A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving potassium chloride 40 mEq IV every 4 hr. Which of the following findings indicate the client is becoming hyperkalemic?

Hypoactive bowel sounds

Sinus rhythm with peaked T waves

Irritability and anxiety

Shallow respirations

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hyperkalemia typically causes increased gastrointestinal motility, leading to hyperactive bowel sounds and diarrhea rather than hypoactive bowel sounds.

B. Sinus rhythm with peaked T waves: Elevated potassium levels affect cardiac conduction, leading to ECG changes such as peaked T waves, prolonged PR intervals, and widened QRS complexes. These findings indicate early hyperkalemia and require immediate attention.

C. Irritability and anxiety: While hyperkalemia can cause neuromuscular symptoms, such as muscle weakness and paresthesia, irritability and anxiety are more commonly associated with hypoglycemia or hypoxia rather than hyperkalemia.

D. Shallow respirations: Severe hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness, including respiratory muscles, but this occurs in later stages. Shallow respirations are more commonly associated with conditions like respiratory depression or metabolic alkalosis.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Your provider would not prescribe this treatment if it weren't necessary.": While the provider recommends treatment based on medical necessity, the decision to continue or discontinue chemotherapy ultimately lies with the client. This response does not acknowledge the client’s autonomy.

B. "Chemotherapy is your best chance for survival.": This response focuses on treatment efficacy rather than addressing the client's emotional and personal concerns. It may also create pressure rather than supporting the client’s decision-making process.

C. "It is your decision whether to continue chemotherapy.": This response is appropriate as it acknowledges the client’s autonomy and right to make healthcare decisions. It validates the client’s concerns while offering support without imposing an opinion.

D. "Why don't you want to continue treatment?": Asking "why" may make the client feel defensive or pressured to justify their decision. A more open-ended approach, such as "Can you tell me more about your concerns?" would be a better way to explore the client’s feelings.

A. Diminished breath sounds B. Distended neck veins C. Irregular heart rate D. Itching over the incision

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Diminished breath sounds: A pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. This results in reduced air entry, causing diminished or absent breath sounds on the affected side. Other symptoms may include dyspnea, tachypnea, and chest pain.

B. Distended neck veins: Neck vein distention is more commonly associated with conditions such as cardiac tamponade or superior vena cava syndrome. A pneumothorax typically causes respiratory distress rather than venous congestion. If a tension pneumothorax develops, neck vein distention may occur, but it is not an early or primary sign.

C. Irregular heart rate: While severe cases of pneumothorax can cause cardiovascular compromise due to pressure on the heart and great vessels, an irregular heart rate is not a direct or early indicator. Cardiac arrhythmias are more often seen with electrolyte imbalances, cardiac ischemia, or other primary heart conditions.

D. Itching over the incision: Itching at the catheter insertion site is a common postoperative reaction, often related to healing, adhesive irritation, or mild inflammation. It is not indicative of a pneumothorax, which primarily presents with respiratory distress and absent or diminished breath sounds.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving potassium chloride 40 mEq IV every 4 hr. Which of the following findings indicate the client is becoming hyperkalemic?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage cancer and is receiving chemotherapy. The client tells the nurse, "I want to discontinue treatment, but my children insist I continue." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client following the insertion of a central venous catheter. Which of the following findings indicates a pneumothorax?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client who is 1 day postoperative following an open cholecystectomy. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A nurse is caring for a client whose partner has a terminal diagnosis. Which of the following statements made by the client indicates effective coping?

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client. Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The first action the nurse should take is ____ followed by _____ .

A nurse is planning care for a client who has full-thickness burns on the lower extremities. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client. Which of the following findings require follow-up? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume overload?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a group of clients. Which of the following client conditions requires reporting to the local health department?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing a sickle cell crisis. During morning care, the assistive personnel alerts the nurse that the client is slurring their speech. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?