A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking a loop diuretic 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.
Cardiac dysrhythmias.
Increased appetite.
Hyperreflexia.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Hypoglycemia Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) is not typically associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypokalemia primarily affects the function of muscles and nerves, and it does not directly influence blood glucose levels.
Choice B rationale:
Cardiac dysrhythmias Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical activity of the heart, and low potassium levels can disrupt normal cardiac rhythms, potentially leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Cardiac dysrhythmias are a well-recognized complication of severe hypokalemia, making this choice the correct one.
Choice C rationale:
Increased appetite Hypokalemia is not associated with an increased appetite. In fact, it can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which may decrease appetite. The primary manifestations of hypokalemia are related to muscle weakness and cardiac abnormalities.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperreflexia Hyperreflexia (excessive reflex responses) is not a typical manifestation of hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more commonly associated with muscle weakness, cramps, and cardiac disturbances. Hyperreflexia is often seen in conditions of excessive calcium levels (hypercalcemia) or neurological disorders, not hypokalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Captopril.
Choice A: Captopril Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure. One of the common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a persistent, non-productive cough. This cough occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a potent peptide that can induce coughing.
Choice B: Metoprolol Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. Common side effects include dizziness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and unusual tiredness or weakness. However, it is not typically associated with a non-productive cough.
Choice C: Furosemide Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid retention (edema) in people with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or a kidney disorder. While it can cause side effects like diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite, a non-productive cough is not a typical side effect of Furosemide.
Choice D: Digoxin Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and irregular heartbeat. Common side effects include dizziness, slow or irregular heartbeat, and unusual tiredness or weakness. However, a non-productive cough is not a typical side effect of Digoxin.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Tolerance to nitroglycerin is not indicated by the presence of a headache. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator used to relieve angina, and headaches can be a common side effect.
Choice B rationale:
Allergic reactions to nitroglycerin are rare, and a headache is not a typical symptom of an allergy to this medication.
Choice C rationale:
"A headache is a common adverse effect of this medication, but it will probably occur less often over time.”. This is the correct response. Nitroglycerin commonly causes headaches due to its vasodilatory effects. Patients often experience this side effect initially, but it tends to improve or occur less frequently with continued use. The nurse should educate the client about this and reassure them that the headaches should diminish over time.
Choice D rationale:
Anxiety may exacerbate chest pain, but it is not the likely cause of the headache. It is important to address the headache as a potential side effect of the medication.
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