A nurse is caring for a client who is taking potassium chloride supplements daily for hypokalemia. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the supplements are effective?
Decreased deep-tendon reflexes
Regular heart rhythm
Hypoactive bowel sounds
Respiratory rate 10/min
The Correct Answer is B
A) Decreased deep-tendon reflexes: Decreased deep-tendon reflexes can indicate hyperkalemia, which occurs when potassium levels are too high. This is not a sign of effective potassium chloride supplementation for hypokalemia, as it suggests an imbalance in the opposite direction.
B) Regular heart rhythm: A regular heart rhythm is a key indicator that potassium levels are within the normal range. Potassium is crucial for proper cardiac function, and maintaining an adequate level helps prevent arrhythmias and supports effective heart rhythms.
C) Hypoactive bowel sounds: Hypoactive bowel sounds can be associated with various conditions, including electrolyte imbalances like hypokalemia. However, the presence of hypoactive bowel sounds does not directly indicate that potassium chloride supplementation is effective.
D) Respiratory rate 10/min: A respiratory rate of 10/min is below the normal range and can be a sign of respiratory depression or other issues. This finding does not relate to the effectiveness of potassium chloride supplements in treating hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. In a Thyroid storm, thyroid hormone levels are already dangerously elevated. Giving levothyroxine would worsen the condition and increase metabolic demand further.
B. Thyroid storm causes a severe hypermetabolic state, increasing oxygen consumption and demand. Supplemental oxygen helps; prevent hypoxia, support tissues under metabolic stress, reduce risk of organ failure. Therefore making it an important supportive, priority intervention.
C. Clients in thyroid storm typically have high fever (hyperthermia). The appropriate intervention is cooling measures (cooling blankets, antipyretics), not warming. Warm blankets would worsen hyperthermia.
D. Thyroid storm causes tachycardia (very fast heart rate) and risk of arrhythmias. Increasing the pulse rate would increase risk of complications such as heart failure. Therefore the goal is to decrease heart rate (e.g., beta-blockers) and reduce cardiac workload
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate (HCO3). In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, which supports alkalosis, but the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L. The PaCO2 is slightly low, which is not typical for metabolic alkalosis, as it would usually show an elevated HCO3 with a compensatory respiratory alkalosis.
B) Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis would present with a low pH and an elevated PaCO2. In this case, the pH is high at 7.6, indicating alkalosis, and the PaCO2 is also low at 30 mm Hg, which is inconsistent with respiratory acidosis.
C) Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH with a low PaCO2. Here, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the PaCO2 is decreased at 30 mm Hg, which fits the profile of respiratory alkalosis. The normal HCO3 level suggests that the bicarbonate is not compensating, supporting a primary respiratory alkalosis.
D) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH and a low HCO3. In this scenario, the pH is elevated at 7.6, and the HCO3 level is normal at 24 mEq/L, which does not align with metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is also low, which is not typical for metabolic acidosis, as it would usually have a normal or high PaCO2.
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