A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who has prolonged vomiting. Which of the following abnormalities on the client's EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hypokalemia?

Inverted P wave

Wide ORS

Elevated ST segment

Abnormally prominent U wave

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Inverted P wave: An inverted P wave may indicate atrial depolarization abnormalities but is not typically associated with hypokalemia. It can be seen in conditions such as atrial enlargement or atrial ischemia. However, in hypokalemia, the P wave may become flattened or have a decreased amplitude, but it is less likely to be inverted.
B. Wide QRS: A wide QRS complex may indicate conduction abnormalities or bundle branch blocks, but it is not specifically associated with hypokalemia. Wide QRS complexes are more commonly seen in conditions such as bundle branch blocks or electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia tends to cause a prolongation of the QT interval rather than widening of the QRS complex.
C. Elevated ST segment: An elevated ST segment is typically associated with myocardial injury or infarction, not hypokalemia. It can be indicative of conditions such as myocardial ischemia or pericarditis. In hypokalemia, ST segment changes are more likely to be flattened or depressed rather than elevated.
D. Abnormally prominent U wave: An abnormally prominent U wave is a classic EKG finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia prolongs the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential, leading to the appearance of U waves following the T wave. These U waves can become more pronounced as potassium levels decrease. Therefore, an abnormally prominent U wave is a significant indicator of hypokalemia on an EKG, especially in a patient with prolonged vomiting, which can lead to potassium depletion. Thus, it is the most pertinent abnormality to interpret in this context.

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Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

Here's how we can find the desired flow rate:

Total volume to infuse (in minutes):
- We need to convert the infusion time from hours to minutes.
- Time (minutes) = Time (hours) x 60 minutes/hour
- Time (minutes) = 2 hours x 60 minutes/hour
- Time (minutes) = 120 minutes
Total volume to infuse (in mL):
- Given volume = 250 mL
Drop factor (gtts/mL):
- Given drop factor = 15 gtts/mL
Flow rate (gtts/minute):
- Flow rate = Total volume (mL) / Time (minutes) x Drop factor (gtts/mL)
- Flow rate = 250 mL / 120 minutes x 15 gtts/mL

To simplify the calculation, we can divide all values by 5 (as long as we perform the division on both sides of the equation, the answer won't change):

Flow rate = (250 mL / 5) / (120 minutes / 5) x (15 gtts/mL / 5)
Flow rate = 50 mL / 24 minutes x 3 gtts/mL
Flow rate = 2.0833... gtts/minute (round to nearest whole number)

Rounded flow rate (gtts/minute):
- Flow rate = 2 gtts/minute

Therefore, the nurse should adjust the flow rate to deliver approximately 2 gtts/minute.

A. Take the medication with dairy products to increase absorption B. Decrease bulk in the diet to counteract the adverse effect of diarrhea C. Draw a glass of water after taking the medication D. Reduce sodium intake

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Take the medication with dairy products to increase absorption: Calcium carbonate antacids should not be taken with dairy products as they can reduce the absorption of calcium due to the formation of insoluble calcium salts. It's recommended to take calcium carbonate antacids between meals or with a light snack, but not with dairy products.
B. Decrease bulk in the diet to counteract the adverse effect of diarrhea: Calcium carbonate antacids can sometimes cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Increasing dietary fiber and fluid intake may help prevent constipation associated with the use of these antacids. Therefore, advising to decrease bulk in the diet is not appropriate.
C. Draw a glass of water after taking the medication: Calcium carbonate antacids should be taken with a full glass of water to ensure proper dissolution in the stomach and to prevent the risk of gastrointestinal irritation or obstruction. Water helps facilitate the dissolution and absorption of the medication, reducing the risk of adverse effects.
D. Reduce sodium intake: Calcium carbonate antacids may contain sodium, but reducing sodium intake is not a specific recommendation related to taking this medication. However, it's generally advisable to limit sodium intake for overall health, especially for individuals with conditions such as hypertension or heart failure.

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A nurse is reviewing the EKG strip of a client who has prolonged vomiting. Which of the following abnormalities on the client's EKG should the nurse interpret as a sign of hypokalemia?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

A nurse is completing a medication history for a client who reports using over-the-counter calcium carbonate antacid. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make about taking this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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