A nurse is reinforcing discharge education to a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following suggestions should be included in the teaching plan?
Report new-onset muscle weakness
Increase consumption of apples and broccoli
Avoid salt substitutes
Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis
The Correct Answer is A
A. Report new-onset muscle weakness: Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and fatigue, which are important symptoms that need to be monitored. Reporting these symptoms promptly is crucial because severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening complications, such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias.
B. Increase consumption of apples and broccoli: While fruits and vegetables like apples and broccoli are healthy, they are not particularly high in potassium. The client should be encouraged to consume potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach to help correct hypokalemia.
C. Avoid salt substitutes: Some salt substitutes contain potassium chloride, which can actually help increase potassium levels. However, this option might be recommended in certain conditions where potassium levels need to be carefully controlled, such as in renal failure, not in hypokalemia management.
D. Report falls, due to high risk of osteoporosis: Hypokalemia does not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis. Falls may occur due to muscle weakness, but this is not specifically related to osteoporosis. Therefore, reporting falls is not the primary concern in hypokalemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to hypoventilation, resulting in carbon dioxide retention. This condition is characterized by slow, shallow breathing and confusion, which is not consistent with the client's rapid respiratory rate of 30/min.
B. Respiratory alkalosis is typically caused by hyperventilation, where excessive breathing leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. The client's symptoms of high anxiety and rapid, shallow respirations are indicative of hyperventilation, making respiratory alkalosis the most likely diagnosis.
C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by deep, rapid breathing (Kussmaul respirations) as the body attempts to expel excess acid. The client's shallow respirations are inconsistent with the breathing pattern seen in metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis usually presents with symptoms such as dizziness and tingling, often with compensatory slow respirations. The rapid respiratory rate in this case does not suggest metabolic alkalosis, making this option unlikely.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, not an environmental factor associated with asthma or allergies. Avoiding Hepatitis B would be unrelated to managing asthma or allergies.
B. Cockroaches can trigger asthma symptoms, particularly through their droppings and shed body parts, which are common allergens. However, while significant, mold is often a more pervasive and impactful trigger, especially in damp environments.
C. Radon is a radioactive gas that can increase the risk of lung cancer over time but is not directly linked to asthma or allergies. It is an environmental concern but not specifically for managing asthma or allergies.
D. Mold is a well-known allergen that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. Mold spores, which are often found in damp environments, can cause significant respiratory issues and should be avoided by individuals with asthma and allergies.
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