A patient has been admitted with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse would expect which of the following electrocardiogram (ECG) changes as a result of this laboratory value?

U waves.

Absent P waves.

Elevated T waves.

Inverted QRS complexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason:

U waves are not a sign of high potassium level, but rather of low potassium level (hypokalemia) Hypokalemia can cause ST segment depression, T wave flattening or inversion, and prominent U waves.

Choice B reason:

Absent P waves are not a sign of high potassium level, but rather of a severe conduction block or atrial fibrillation. High potassium level can cause P wave widening or flattening, and PR prolongation, but not complete disappearance of P waves.

Choice C reason:

Elevated T waves are the most common and earliest sign of high potassium level (hyperkalemia) Hyperkalemia can cause tall, peaked, symmetric T waves that may merge with the QRS complex. This is the correct answer.

Choice D reason:

Inverted QRS complexes are not a sign of high potassium level, but rather of ventricular arrhythmias or myocardial infarction. High potassium level can cause QRS widening and bizarre QRS morphology, but not inversion.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:

Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) is a hypotonic solution that provides free water and calories, but no electrolytes. It is used to treat hypernatremia and cellular dehydration, but it can cause fluid shifts from the intravascular to the intracellular space, leading to cerebral edema and decreased blood pressure. This is not appropriate for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they need to restore their intravascular volume and electrolyte balance.

Choice B reason:

Lactated Ringer's (LR) is an isotonic solution that contains sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate. It is used to treat fluid loss from burns, trauma, surgery, or sepsis. It also helps to correct metabolic acidosis by providing bicarbonate precursors. This is the best choice for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they need to replace their fluid and electrolyte losses and maintain their acid-base balance.

Choice C reason:

Dextrose 5% in 0.45% sodium chloride (D5W/0.45% NaCl) is a hypertonic solution that provides free water, calories, and sodium. It is used to treat hypovolemia and hyponatremia, but it can cause fluid shifts from the intracellular to the intravascular space, leading to cellular dehydration and increased blood pressure. This is not appropriate for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they already have low blood pressure and cellular dehydration.

Choice D reason:

Dextrose 5% in lactated Ringer's (D5LR) is a hypertonic solution that provides free water, calories, sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate. It is used to treat hypovolemia and metabolic acidosis, but it can cause fluid shifts from the intracellular to the intravascular space, leading to cellular dehydration and increased blood pressure. This is not appropriate for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, as they already have low blood pressure and cellular dehydration.

A. Hypercalcemia. B. Hypokalemia. C. Hypermagnesemia. D. Hypophosphatemia.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A: Hypercalcemia. This is a condition of having too much calcium in the blood. It can cause muscle weakness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and irregular heartbeat. However, it does not typically cause paresthesias (tingling or numbness), diarrhea, or crackles in the lungs.

Choice B:

Hypokalemia. This is a condition of having too low potassium in the blood. It can cause muscle weakness, paresthesias, irregular heartbeat, shallow respirations, and increased risk of digoxin toxicity (a medication used to treat heart failure) It can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can worsen the potassium loss. This choice matches the symptoms of the patient.

Choice C:

Hypermagnesemia. This is a condition of having too much magnesium in the blood. It can cause muscle weakness, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, bradycardia (slow heart rate), and respiratory depression. However, it does not usually cause paresthesias, diarrhea, or crackles in the lungs.

Choice D:

Hypophosphatemia. This is a condition of having too low phosphate in the blood. It can cause muscle weakness, bone pain, rickets (softening of bones), and impaired cellular function. However, it does not typically cause paresthesias, irregular heartbeat, shallow respirations, or crackles in the lungs.

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A patient has been admitted with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse would expect which of the following electrocardiogram (ECG) changes as a result of this laboratory value?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. The client's blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg, pulse is 110/min, and respirations are 22/min. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following types of IV fluids?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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