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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D: Headache.
Rationale for Choice D (Headache): Hyponatremia, defined as a serum sodium level below 135 mEq/L, can lead to various neurological symptoms due to the altered osmotic pressure in the brain cells. When the sodium level drops below normal, water moves into the cells, causing them to swell, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and subsequent headaches. Therefore, a client with a sodium level of 128 mEq/L is likely to experience headaches as a manifestation of hyponatremia.
Rationale for other choices:
Choice A: Hyporeflexia Hyporeflexia refers to diminished or absent reflexes. While hyponatremia can affect neurological function, hyporeflexia is not a typical manifestation. Instead, hyperreflexia may occur in severe cases due to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B: Constipation Constipation is not a common manifestation of hyponatremia. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping may occur, but constipation is not typically associated with sodium imbalances.
Choice C: Increased appetite Hyponatremia does not typically cause increased appetite. Instead, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and anorexia are more commonly observed. Increased appetite is not directly related to sodium levels but may be seen in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or certain medications.
Therefore, based on the provided data and typical manifestations of hyponatremia, the correct answer is Choice D: Headache. This is because headaches are a common neurological symptom associated with low sodium levels and increased intracranial pressure.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Crackles in lung bases Crackles in the lung bases are often indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can occur in conditions like heart failure. These crackles are discontinuous and sound like "fine rales.”. They can be heard during inspiration and expiration.
Choice B rationale:
Periorbital edema Periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes, can be a sign of fluid volume overload, especially in the context of an older adult receiving IV therapy. It suggests that excess fluid is accumulating in the body.
Choice D rationale:
Bounding radial pulse A bounding radial pulse is a sign of increased stroke volume and can occur when the heart is working harder to pump the increased blood volume associated with fluid overload.
Choice C rationale:
Swelling at the IV site Swelling at the IV site can be a local reaction and may not necessarily indicate fluid volume overload unless it is associated with other systemic signs.
Choice E rationale:
Flat neck veins when supine Flat neck veins when the client is supine are not typically associated with fluid volume overload. In fact, flat neck veins are more characteristic of hypovolemia. Now, let's address the final question.
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