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 C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Sodium. Sodium is not affected by serum phosphate level in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Sodium level is mainly regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the antidiuretic hormone. Sodium level can be altered by fluid intake, fluid loss, diuretics, or salt restriction, but not by phosphate level.

Choice B reason:

Magnesium. Magnesium is also not affected by serum phosphate level in CKD patients. Magnesium level is mainly influenced by dietary intake, intestinal absorption, renal excretion, and exchange with bone and soft tissues. Magnesium level can be altered by malnutrition, malabsorption, diarrhea, vomiting, diuretics, or alcoholism, but not by phosphate level.

Choice C reason:

Calcium. Calcium is the correct answer because calcium and phosphate have an inverse relationship in the body. When serum phosphate level is elevated, as in CKD patients, serum calcium level tends to decrease. This is because high phosphate level binds to calcium and forms insoluble complexes that are deposited in soft tissues and bones. This reduces the amount of free calcium in the blood and triggers the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which further lowers the calcium level by increasing its excretion in the urine.

Choice D reason:

Bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is not directly affected by serum phosphate level in CKD patients. Bicarbonate level is mainly determined by the acid-base balance in the body. Bicarbonate level can be altered by metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, renal failure, or diarrhea, but not by phosphate level.

A. Shave the hair around the insertion site. B. Obtain informed consent from the patient. C. Administer prophylactic antibiotics to the patient. D. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Shaving the hair around the insertion site is not recommended because it can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of infection.

Choice B reason:

Obtaining informed consent from the patient is important, but it is not a step that the nurse should perform before inserting the catheter. Informed consent should be obtained by the physician or advanced practice nurse who will perform the procedure.

Choice C reason:

Administering prophylactic antibiotics to the patient is not a routine practice for central venous catheter insertion. Antibiotics may be indicated for patients with certain risk factors, such as immunosuppression, but they should be prescribed by the physician or advanced practice nurse.

Choice D reason:

Placing the patient in Trendelenburg position is an important step that the nurse should perform before inserting the catheter. This position helps to distend the jugular vein and reduce the risk of air embolism during catheter insertion.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has chronic kidney disease and notes that the serum phosphate level is elevated. The nurse should anticipate that which of the following electrolyte levels will be decreased?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to insert a central venous catheter into a patient's right internal jugular vein using ultrasound guidance. What is an important step that the nurse should perform before inserting the catheter?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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