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:
A respiratory rate of 9/min and shallow respirations are indicative of hypoventilation, which can lead to an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. This condition results in respiratory acidosis (Choice D). In respiratory acidosis, the arterial pH is decreased (acidic) while the PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is elevated.
Choice B rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis (Choice B) is characterized by a low PaCO2 and an elevated pH due to hyperventilation. Shallow respirations and a respiratory rate of 9/min do not align with this condition, as it typically involves rapid and deep breathing.
Choice C rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis (Choice C) results from a primary excess of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood and is not associated with the given respiratory patterns. Shallow respirations and a low respiratory rate are more likely to lead to an accumulation of CO2, causing respiratory acidosis (Choice D).
Choice D rationale:
The correct answer is choice D. Shallow respirations and a respiratory rate of 9/min indicate hypoventilation, leading to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood. This condition results in respiratory acidosis, where the arterial pH is decreased. The body's compensatory response is to retain bicarbonate to normalize pH, but this can result in an elevated HCO3- level. The primary acid-base imbalance in this case is respiratory acidosis. .
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Albuterol primarily acts as a bronchodilator by opening up the airways. It does not have a significant anti-inflammatory effect. Inhaled corticosteroids are more commonly used to reduce airway inflammation in asthma.
Choice B rationale:
Albuterol, a beta-2 agonist, helps with breathing by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airways, which opens them up. This action allows for improved airflow and ease of breathing. Therefore, this choice is correct.
Choice C rationale:
Albuterol is used to relieve bronchospasm, which can prevent wheezing in individuals with asthma. It does not have a direct effect on reducing mucus production or coughing.
Choice D rationale:
Albuterol does not increase the amount of mucus production. In fact, it can help reduce coughing by relieving bronchospasm, but it does not directly suppress coughing episodes.
Choice E rationale:
Albuterol can help reduce coughing episodes by improving airflow and reducing the irritation that leads to coughing.
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