A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking furosemide and notes the client's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following physiological responses should the nurse expect related to the client's hypokalemia?
Hypoglycemia
Hyperreflexia
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Increased appetite
The Correct Answer is C
A. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is not typically associated with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood. While both conditions can occur due to certain diseases or medication use, they are not directly related.
B. Hyperreflexia: Hyperreflexia, a condition characterized by overactive reflexes, is not a common symptom of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia primarily affects muscle function, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, and potentially cardiac dysrhythmias. It does not typically cause an overactive reflex response.
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias: This is correct. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining normal electrical activity in the heart. When potassium levels are low, it can disrupt this electrical activity, leading to irregular heart rhythms.
D. Increased appetite: Increased appetite is not a typical symptom of hypokalemia. In fact, loss of appetite is more commonly associated with this condition. Severe hypokalemia can affect the functioning of the muscles in the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
A. Review strategies to reduce sodium intake:
This educational method involves providing information and teaching the client specific strategies to reduce sodium intake, such as reading food labels, avoiding high-sodium processed foods, and choosing fresh fruits and vegetables. It engages the cognitive domain of learning as it focuses on acquiring knowledge and understanding of the topic.
B. Ask the client how they are feeling about starting a low sodium diet:
This educational method involves exploring the client's feelings and emotions regarding the low sodium diet. It primarily engages the affective domain of learning, which focuses on attitudes, beliefs, and feelings.
C. Observe the client choose low sodium foods:
This educational method involves observing the client's behavior and actions. It primarily engages the psychomotor domain of learning, which focuses on physical skills and actions.
D. Discuss the physiology of hypertension with the client:
This educational method involves explaining the underlying physiology of hypertension, including factors such as sodium intake, blood pressure regulation, and cardiovascular health. It engages the cognitive domain of learning as it focuses on acquiring knowledge and understanding of the physiological processes involved in hypertension.
E. Encourage the client to share their thoughts in a support group:
This educational method involves providing opportunities for the client to share their thoughts and experiences with others in a support group setting. It primarily engages the affective domain of learning, which focuses on attitudes, beliefs, and feelings.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Abuse:
Abuse typically involves intentional harm or mistreatment of another person. In this scenario, the nurse's error was inadvertent, not intentional, so it does not constitute abuse.
B. Battery:
Battery involves intentional harmful or offensive contact with another person without their consent. The inadvertent medication error in this scenario does not involve intentional contact or harm, so it does not constitute battery.
C. Assault:
Assault involves intentionally threatening or causing fear of immediate harm or offensive contact with another person. The inadvertent medication error, while resulting in harm, was not intentional or intended to cause fear, so it does not constitute assault.
D. Malpractice:
Malpractice refers to professional negligence or failure to adhere to the standard of care expected in one's professional duties, resulting in harm to a patient. In this scenario, the nurse's inadvertent medication error constitutes malpractice because it involved a breach of the standard of care expected in medication administration, resulting in harm to the client.
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