A nurse is collecting data from a client who has heart failure and takes chlorothiazide sodium. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as indicating hypokalemia?
Restlessness
Hyperactive bowel sounds
Decreased deep-tendon reflexes
Bounding peripheral pulses
The Correct Answer is C
A. Restlessness:
Restlessness is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, it may indicate anxiety, discomfort, or other factors unrelated to electrolyte imbalances.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are often associated with increased gastrointestinal motility, which may occur in conditions such as diarrhea or gastroenteritis. While electrolyte imbalances can contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms, hyperactive bowel sounds are not specific to hypokalemia.
C. Decreased deep-tendon reflexes:
Hypokalemia can lead to decreased deep-tendon reflexes due to its effects on nerve conduction. Potassium is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, and low levels can impair reflexes.
D. Bounding peripheral pulses:
Bounding peripheral pulses are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, they may indicate increased cardiac output or volume overload, which can occur in conditions such as heart failure.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Vomiting:
Vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of hydrochloric acid from the stomach, resulting in increased bicarbonate levels in the blood. It does not directly contribute to metabolic acidosis.
B. Hyperventilation:
Hyperventilation can lead to respiratory alkalosis due to excessive elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) through increased respiratory rate and depth. It is not associated with metabolic acidosis.
C. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate-rich fluid from the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in decreased bicarbonate levels in the blood. While diarrhea can contribute to metabolic acidosis, it is not the case in this scenario.
D. Salicylate intoxication:
Salicylate intoxication, such as aspirin overdose, can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of salicylic acid, which is a weak acid that dissociates in the body, contributing to an increased anion gap metabolic acidosis. This is a direct cause of metabolic acidosis in this scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Atropine:
Atropine is a medication used to increase heart rate. It acts by blocking the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate. It is commonly used to treat bradycardia, which is characterized by a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute. In this scenario, with the client's apical heart rate at 49/min, indicating bradycardia, the nurse should prepare to administer atropine to increase the heart rate.
B) Verapamil:
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can decrease heart rate. It is used to treat various cardiac conditions, but it is not appropriate for a client with bradycardia, as it would further lower the heart rate.
C) Digoxin:
Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, but it does not directly increase heart rate. In fact, it can exacerbate bradycardia in some cases.
D) Carvedilol:
Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that can decrease heart rate. It is used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions, but it is not appropriate for a client with bradycardia, as it would further lower the heart rate.
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