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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Hydrochlorothiazide: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that promotes sodium and water excretion, leading to decreased blood volume and decreased potassium excretion. While it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion, it does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
B) Spironolactone: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that inhibits aldosterone, leading to decreased sodium reabsorption and increased potassium retention. This mechanism of action can predispose clients to hyperkalemia due to potassium retention. Additionally, spironolactone can cause hyponatremia by promoting the excretion of sodium and water. Therefore, clients receiving spironolactone are at risk for both hyperkalemia and hyponatremia.
C) Furosemide: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, promoting sodium, chloride, potassium, and water excretion. While it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion, it does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
D) Metolazone: Metolazone is a thiazide-like diuretic that acts similarly to hydrochlorothiazide by promoting sodium and water excretion. Like hydrochlorothiazide, it can cause hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion but does not typically lead to hyperkalemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Contact the provider for further orders:
Contacting the provider for further orders might delay the administration of blood, which is crucial in situations where there is an urgent need, such as severe bleeding or anemia. Given that the unit of blood available is type O negative, which is universally compatible with most recipients in emergency situations, waiting for further orders could jeopardize the client's health.
B. Complete an incident report:
There is no incident or error that occurred in this situation. Using type O negative blood for a recipient with type A positive blood is an accepted practice in emergencies, and therefore, does not warrant the completion of an incident report.
C. Administer the blood as ordered:
Type O negative blood can be safely administered to recipients with any blood type in emergency situations. Since the client requires blood, and the unit available is type O negative, which is universally compatible, administering the blood as ordered is the appropriate action to ensure timely treatment.
D. Notify the blood bank:
Notifying the blood bank is unnecessary in this situation. The nurse has a unit of type O negative blood on hand, which is appropriate for immediate administration to the client with type A positive blood. There's no need to inform the blood bank as the blood is compatible and can be safely administered.
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