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 A
Explanation
A) Anxiety: Anxiety is a subjective finding because it represents the client's perception of their emotional state. It is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear, which the client reports experiencing. Subjective findings are based on the client's self-report or feelings.
B) Alert: Being alert is an objective finding because it refers to the client's level of consciousness and responsiveness to stimuli. In this scenario, the nurse assesses that the client is alert based on their ability to respond appropriately to questions and stimuli in the environment.
C) Pacing: Pacing is an objective finding because it describes observable behavior. In this case, the nurse observes the client pacing in the room, which is a physical activity that can be seen or measured.
D) Restless: Restlessness is an objective finding because it describes observable behavior. The nurse assesses that the client appears restless based on their observed behavior of pacing in the room. Restlessness is a physical manifestation of the client's anxiety and is observable by others.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The client's hand is cool and pale: A cool and pale hand suggests decreased circulation, which could be due to the restraint being too tight and impeding blood flow. Loosening the restraint can improve circulation and prevent complications such as tissue damage or nerve injury.
B) The client has full range of motion in her wrist: While it's important to ensure that the client can move comfortably within the restraint to prevent stiffness and maintain circulation, full range of motion alone may not necessitate loosening the restraint. However, if the client's movements are restricted or uncomfortable due to the tightness of the restraint, loosening may be necessary.
C) The client is attempting to remove the restraint: This indicates that the restraint may be too loose or improperly applied, allowing the client to manipulate it easily. The nurse should assess the fit of the restraint and adjust it as needed to prevent the client from removing it while still ensuring safety and appropriate immobilization.
D) The client has a capillary refill of less than 2 seconds: While a rapid capillary refill indicates good circulation, it alone may not warrant loosening the restraint. However, if the client experiences discomfort or other signs of impaired circulation despite rapid capillary refill, the restraint may need adjustment to alleviate pressure and improve circulation.
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