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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Skipping coffee on the morning of the exercise ECG stress test is a good idea as caffeine can affect heart rate and blood pressure, but it doesn't necessarily indicate the need for further instructions.
Choice B rationale:
Getting 8 hours of sleep the night before the test is a positive choice and promotes overall well-being, but it is not a specific indicator of needing further instructions for the test.
Choice C rationale:
Not smoking before the test is an appropriate action, as smoking can also affect heart rate and blood pressure during the test. However, it does not indicate a need for further instructions.
Choice D rationale:
Expecting to feel chest pain during an exercise ECG stress test is not correct and indicates a need for further instructions. Chest pain during the test can be a sign of cardiovascular issues and should be reported immediately.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A: Dull, aching calf pain.
Choice A rationale:
Dull, aching calf pain is a common symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can occur postoperatively, especially after vascular surgery. This pain is often due to a blood clot forming in the deep veins of the leg.
Choice B rationale:
Positive Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis and not typically related to thrombus formation.
Choice C rationale:
Soft, pliable calf muscle is not indicative of a thrombus. A thrombus would more likely cause tenderness and swelling.
Choice D rationale:
Positive Homan's sign (pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion of the foot) can be an indicator of DVT, but it is less reliable than dull, aching calf pain.
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