A nurse is monitoring a client who was admitted for hypocalcemia. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Positive Chvostek's sign
Hypotension
Confusion
Positive Babinski reflex
The Correct Answer is A
A. Positive Chvostek's sign. Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to involuntary twitching of facial muscles when the facial nerve is tapped. This sign is a well-known indicator of calcium deficiency and reflects heightened nerve sensitivity.
B. Hypotension. While severe hypocalcemia can affect cardiovascular function, hypotension is not a primary or consistent finding. More commonly, calcium imbalances affect muscle contractions rather than directly causing low blood pressure.
C. Confusion. Hypocalcemia can cause neurological symptoms, but confusion is more common in severe or prolonged cases. Early manifestations are usually neuromuscular, such as tetany or muscle cramps, rather than cognitive impairment.
D. Positive Babinski reflex. This reflex is associated with upper motor neuron dysfunction and neurological disorders rather than electrolyte imbalances like hypocalcemia. Calcium deficiency primarily affects peripheral nerves and muscle excitability.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Cola soft drink." A standard 240 mL (8 oz) serving of cola contains approximately 20 to 40 mg of caffeine. While this is lower than the caffeine content in coffee or tea, it is still higher than that of hot cocoa.
B. "Hot cocoa." Hot cocoa contains the least amount of caffeine, typically around 5 mg per 240 mL (8 oz). Cocoa naturally contains small amounts of caffeine, but it is significantly lower than in coffee, tea, or soda.
C. "Brewed green tea." A 240 mL (8 oz) serving of brewed green tea contains approximately 30 to 50 mg of caffeine. While green tea has less caffeine than coffee, it still has more than hot cocoa.
D. "Instant coffee." Instant coffee has one of the highest caffeine contents per 240 mL (8 oz), ranging from 60 to 80 mg. This makes it a less suitable choice for someone trying to reduce caffeine intake.
Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"D"}
Explanation
- Administer sublingual nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is a first-line treatment for angina or suspected myocardial infarction. It dilates coronary arteries, improving blood flow and reducing myocardial oxygen demand.
- Apply supplemental oxygen. Routine oxygen administration is no longer recommended unless the client is hypoxic (oxygen saturation below 90%) because excessive oxygen can lead to vasoconstriction and worsen myocardial injury.
- Obtain a 12-lead ECG. While an ECG is important for diagnosing myocardial infarction, the priority in an acute chest pain episode is symptom relief and hemodynamic stability. The ECG should already have been obtained at admission.
- Administer morphine sulfate IV. Morphine is used to manage severe chest pain that is not relieved by nitroglycerin. It reduces myocardial oxygen demand, preload, and anxiety, which can help relieve symptoms.
- Monitor vital signs. Continuous monitoring is essential, but it is not the most immediate intervention in an acute episode of worsening chest pain. The focus should be on relieving ischemia and reducing myocardial workload.
- Educate the client about smoking cessation. While smoking cessation is critical for long-term cardiovascular health, education is not a priority when the client is experiencing acute chest pain requiring immediate intervention.
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