A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential causative factor?

Client has an NG tube to gastric suction.

Client has a history of alcohol abuse disorder.

Client reports drinking 3.5 to 4 L of water each day.

Client is currently prescribed spironolactone.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice A. Client has an NG tube to gastric suction.

Choice A rationale:

Having an NG tube to gastric suction can lead to hypokalemia because the suctioning process removes potassium from the stomach contents, leading to a decrease in serum potassium levels.

Choice B rationale:

While a history of alcohol abuse disorder can lead to various electrolyte imbalances, it is not the most direct cause of hypokalemia compared to gastric suction.

Choice C rationale:

Drinking 3.5 to 4 liters of water each day can lead to dilutional hyponatremia but is less likely to cause hypokalemia directly.

Choice D rationale:

Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps retain potassium in the body. Therefore, it is not a causative factor for hypokalemia.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice D: Reduction of T-wave amplitude.

Choice A rationale:

The amplitude of the QRS complex is not directly affected by changes in serum potassium levels. It represents ventricular depolarization, and its restoration would not be an expected outcome of polystyrene sulfonate treatment

Choice B rationale:

Shortening of the P-wave duration is not an expected change with polystyrene sulfonate treatment. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, which is not significantly impacted by the administration of this medication

Choice C rationale:

Widening of the QRS complex is associated with high serum potassium levels. The goal of polystyrene sulfonate treatment is to lower potassium levels and, thus, return the QRS complex to its normal width

Choice D rationale:

Polystyrene sulfonate aims to reduce serum potassium levels. When effective, this should result in a reduction of T-wave amplitude, which is a common ECG change seen with hyperkalemia

In conclusion, choice D is the correct answer, as a reduction in T-wave amplitude would be the expected change on the client's ECG if polystyrene sulfonate effectively lowers their serum potassium level.

A. Hypocalcemia B. Hypernatremia. C. Hyperkalemia. D. D. Potential Condition. Action to Take 1: Prepare to check a serum albumin level. Action to Take 2: Request a STAT ECG. Parameters to Monitor 1: Serum bicarbonate level. Parameters to Monitor 2: Intake and Output.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Potential Condition.

Based on the provided information, it's challenging to make a definitive diagnosis with the given laboratory results and clinical presentation. The client's symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, dyspnea, yellow sclera, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and positive Chvostek and Trousseau signs, suggest a complex clinical picture that requires further investigation and assessment. Action to Take 1: Notify the provider. Rationale: The client's condition appears to be critical and requires immediate medical attention. Notifying the provider will initiate a comprehensive evaluation and potential interventions. Action to Take 2: Withhold medication for diarrhea until the underlying cause is determined. Rationale: Diarrhea can be a symptom of various conditions, and administering medication without a clear diagnosis may mask important clinical information. Parameters to Monitor 1: Serum bicarbonate level.

Rationale:

Monitoring serum bicarbonate levels can help identify potential acid-base imbalances and assess the client's metabolic status, especially given the history of end-stage renal disease. Parameters to Monitor 2: Intake and Output. Rationale: Monitoring intake and output is essential to assess fluid balance and kidney function, especially in a client with end- stage renal disease and potential electrolyte imbalances.

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A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a potential causative factor?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L. The provider prescribes polystyrene sulfonate. If this medication is effective, the nurse should expect which of the following changes on the client's ECG?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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