A nurse is reviewing laboratory data on a client who is recovering from surgery.
Drag 1 condition and 1 client finding to fill in each blank in the following sentence.
The client is at risk for developing due to
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"E","dropdown-group-2":"C"}
Potassium Levels: The postoperative potassium level for the client is 3.0 mEq/L, which falls below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L. Potassium is a critical electrolyte necessary for the proper functioning of cardiac muscles. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining the electrical conductivity of the heart. Hypokalemia, or low potassium levels, can disrupt this electrical conductivity, leading to abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Arrhythmias can manifest as palpitations, irregular heartbeats, or more severe cardiac events, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Importance of Potassium in Cardiac Function: Potassium is essential for the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. It helps in the return of the cell to its resting state after each heartbeat. A deficiency in potassium disrupts this balance, increasing the risk of erratic heartbeats and arrhythmias. Low potassium can prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a marker for potential arrhythmic events.
Clinical Implications: For a postoperative client, maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial. Surgery and anesthesia can affect fluid and electrolyte levels, making it essential to monitor and correct any imbalances. The decrease in potassium levels from 3.5 mEq/L preoperatively to 3.0 mEq/L postoperatively highlights a trend that must be addressed to prevent complications such as arrhythmias.
Preventative Measures: To mitigate the risk of arrhythmias, the healthcare team should consider interventions to correct the hypokalemia. This may include administering potassium supplements orally or intravenously, depending on the severity and clinical context. Continuous cardiac monitoring may also be warranted to detect and manage any emerging arrhythmic events promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Delayed gastric emptying: This condition refers to a slowdown in the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, often leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. It is not related to breath sounds and would not be detected through auscultation of the lungs.
B) Atelectasis: This condition involves the collapse or closure of lung tissue, resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. It commonly occurs in patients who are immobile or on bedrest for extended periods, such as the client with a lacerated spleen. Decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes of the lungs are a typical finding in atelectasis, as the collapsed or partially collapsed alveoli do not allow air to move through them, leading to diminished or absent breath sounds in the affected areas.
C) An upper respiratory infection: This condition involves infections in the nose, throat, and airways and typically presents with symptoms like cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sometimes fever. It can affect breath sounds, but it more commonly causes wheezing, crackles, or rhonchi rather than isolated decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes.
D) Pulmonary edema: This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, often due to heart failure or acute lung injury. Auscultation findings typically include crackles or rales, particularly in the lower lung fields, but not necessarily decreased breath sounds unless there is a significant consolidation or fluid volume.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Socioeconomic:
Stress related to homelessness is categorized as a socioeconomic stressor. Socioeconomic stressors arise from economic or social factors such as poverty, unemployment, housing instability, or lack of access to resources. Homelessness is a significant socioeconomic stressor that can impact various aspects of a person's life, including physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships.
B) Adventitious:
Adventitious stressors refer to unexpected or traumatic events that are outside the individual's control, such as natural disasters, accidents, or crimes. While homelessness can result from various circumstances, it is not typically classified as an adventitious stressor.
C) Cultural:
Cultural stressors pertain to conflicts or challenges related to cultural identity, values, beliefs, or practices. While cultural factors may intersect with the experience of homelessness, the primary stressor in this scenario is socioeconomic rather than cultural.
D) Developmental:
Developmental stressors are related to life transitions or stages of development, such as adolescence, adulthood, or aging. While homelessness can certainly affect individuals at different life stages, the primary stressor in this scenario is the socioeconomic aspect of homelessness rather than a specific developmental stage.
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