A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

Hypocalcemia.

Hypercalcemia.

Hyperkalemia.

Hypokalemia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Hypocalcemia refers to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can present with symptoms like muscle cramps, numbness, and tingling. However, this choice is not relevant to the patient's symptoms in the scenario.

Choice B rationale:

Hypercalcemia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by high levels of calcium in the blood. It can lead to ECG changes and symptoms like muscle weakness, confusion, and constipation. However, this is not the correct answer in the given scenario.

Choice C rationale:

The patient's symptoms of ECG changes and muscle weakness are consistent with hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and its use can lead to increased potassium levels in the blood (hyperkalemia), which can affect the heart's electrical activity and cause muscle weakness.

Choice D rationale:

Hypokalemia is a condition where there is a low level of potassium in the blood. It can lead to muscle weakness, ECG changes, and other symptoms, but it is not the correct answer in this specific situation involving spironolactone use.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

A phosphorus level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is typically between 2.5 to 4.5 mEq/L. Although it's essential to monitor phosphorus levels, it is not the priority finding in this scenario.

Choice B rationale:

A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L is the priority finding. The normal range for potassium is typically between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates severe hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Immediate intervention is necessary to address the potassium imbalance.

Choice C rationale:

A calcium level of 8.2 mg/dL falls within the normal range (typically 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL). While calcium levels are essential to monitor, they do not take precedence over the critically low potassium level in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

A sodium level of 145 mEq/L falls within the normal range, which is usually around 135 to 145 mEq/L. Although monitoring sodium levels is important, it is not the priority finding when compared to the critically low potassium level.

A. Romaine lettuce. B. Lean red meat. C. Almonds. D. White rice.

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Romaine lettuce is a good dietary source of magnesium. Since the patient has a low serum magnesium level, suggesting foods rich in magnesium like romaine lettuce can help improve magnesium levels.

Choice B rationale:

Lean red meat is not a good suggestion for a patient with low magnesium levels. While it contains magnesium, it is not as rich in magnesium as some other food choices.

Choice C rationale:

Almonds are a good dietary source of magnesium and can be recommended to the patient with low magnesium levels to help increase their magnesium intake.

Choice D rationale:

White rice is not a significant source of magnesium and may not be helpful in improving the patient's low magnesium levels.

Choice E rationale:

Seafood is a good source of various nutrients but is not particularly rich in magnesium compared to other options like almonds and romaine lettuce. Thus, it may not be the best suggestion for the patient's low magnesium levels.

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A patient prescribed spironolactone is demonstrating ECG changes and complaining of muscle weakness. The nurse realizes this patient is exhibiting signs of which electrolyte imbalance?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who takes furosemide. Which of the following results should the nurse identify as the priority finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The patient who has a serum magnesium level of 1.4 mg/dL is being treated with dietary modification. Which foods should the nurse suggest for this patient?

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas results for a client in the ICU who has kidney failure and determines the client has respiratory acidosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A patient is diagnosed with hypokalemia. After reviewing the patient's current medications, which drug should the nurse consider that might have contributed to the patient's health problem?

A patient with fluid overload is prescribed furosemide (Lasix) 20 mg by mouth each day. What should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this medication? Select all that apply.

The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hypocalcemia. What additional assessments should the nurse include when caring for this patient?

The nurse is admitting a patient who was diagnosed with acute renal failure. Which electrolyte should the nurse expect to be most affected with this disorder?

The nurse is reviewing the health problems for a group of assigned patients. Which patient does the nurse recognize as being at increased risk for developing metabolic alkalosis?

The nurse is concerned that a patient recovering from a thyroidectomy is developing hypocalcemia. What findings did the nurse use to come to this conclusion? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. For which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.).