A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan?
Give a dose of alendronate.
Administer furosemide.
Apply a cardiac monitor.
Monitor for Chvostek's sign.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Give a dose of alendronate is incorrect. Alendronate is a medication used to treat osteoporosis, and it does not address low potassium levels. In this case, the focus should be on correcting the potassium imbalance.
B. Administer furosemide is incorrect. Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause further loss of potassium. In a client with low potassium levels (hypokalemia., administering furosemide could worsen the condition and lead to life-threatening complications.
C. Apply a cardiac monitor is correct. Hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L) can cause significant cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Applying a cardiac monitor is essential for monitoring the client’s heart rhythm and detecting any abnormalities related to the low potassium level.
D. Monitor for Chvostek's sign is incorrect. Chvostek's sign is indicative of hypocalcemia, not hypokalemia. While both hypocalcemia and hypokalemia can cause neuromuscular excitability, monitoring for Chvostek’s sign is not a priority in the management of hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is incorrect. Tinnitus is not a common adverse effect of propranolol. This symptom is more commonly associated with ototoxic medications, such as certain antibiotics or diuretics.
B. Bradycardia is correct. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that reduces heart rate and blood pressure by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors. One of its primary adverse effects is bradycardia (slow heart rate., which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, or hypotension.
C. Hypertension is incorrect. Propranolol is used to treat hypertension, not cause it. By reducing cardiac output and suppressing sympathetic nervous system activity, propranolol generally lowers blood pressure.
D. Headache is incorrect. While some clients might experience headaches due to changes in blood pressure, headache is not a primary adverse effect of propranolol.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Tonic-clonic seizures: This is not typically expected following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT can induce a brief seizure during the procedure, but the nurse would not expect tonic-clonic seizures afterward as a direct result.
B. Paresthesias: Paresthesias (tingling or numbness) are not commonly associated with ECT. The procedure primarily affects the brain, and while some neurological symptoms may occur temporarily, paresthesias are not expected findings.
C. Disorientation: This is correct. It is common for clients to experience disorientation and confusion immediately following ECT, as it can affect memory and cognition temporarily. This typically resolves within a short period of time (minutes to hours) following the procedure.
D. Sleep apnea: Sleep apnea is not a direct or common effect of ECT. While anesthesia used during the procedure may cause some temporary respiratory changes, sleep apnea would not be expected as a typical post-procedure finding.
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