A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). Several days after the aggressive diuretic therapy started, the patient began to exhibit confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, and nausea.
What does the nurse suspect?
Hypokalemia.
Renal failure.
Hyperkalemia.
Heart failure.
The Correct Answer is A
Hypokalemia is a condition of low potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) that increase the excretion of potassium in the urine. Potassium is an important electrolyte that helps regulate the function of nerves and muscles, including the heart. Low potassium levels can cause symptoms such as confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, and nausea, which are consistent with the patient’s presentation.
Choice B, renal failure, is wrong because furosemide is used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by kidney disease, not to cause it. Renal failure would also cause symptoms such as decreased urine output, swelling, fatigue, and shortness of breath, which are not mentioned in the question.
Choice C, hyperkalemia, is wrong because hyperkalemia is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood, which can be caused by kidney disease or certain medications that decrease the excretion of potassium in the urine. Hyperkalemia can cause symptoms such as weakness, irregular heartbeat, paralysis, and chest pain, which are different from the patient’s symptoms.
Choice D, heart failure, is wrong because furosemide is also used to treat fluid retention and edema caused by heart failure, not to cause it. Heart failure would also cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, fatigue, and rapid weight gain, which are not mentioned in the question.
Normal ranges for potassium levels in the blood are 3.5 to 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) for adults and 3.4 to 4.7 mEq/L for children.
A level below 3.5 mEq/L is considered hypokalemic and a level above 5.0 mEq/L is considered hyperkalemic.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Atorvastatin is a type of statin, which are the most potent antilipidemic agents and have proven to lower the risk of myocardial infarction. Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.By reducing the production of cholesterol, statins lower the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, and slightly increase the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood.
Choice B, niacin, is wrong because niacin is not as effective as statins in lowering LDL and preventing cardiovascular events.Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin that can lower LDL and triglycerides, and increase HDL, but it can also cause flushing, itching, and liver toxicity.
Choice C, gemfibrozil, is wrong because gemfibrozil is a type of fibric acid derivative, which are mainly used to lower triglycerides and increase HDL, but have little effect on LDL.
Fibric acid derivatives work by activating a receptor called PPAR-alpha, which regulates the metabolism of lipids in the liver and muscle.Fibric acid derivatives can also increase the risk of gallstones and muscle damage.
Choice D, ezetimibe, is wrong because ezetimibe is a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor, which blocks the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol in the intestine.Ezetimibe can lower LDL by about 15-20%, but it has not been shown to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction on its own.Ezetimibe is usually combined with a statin for better efficacy and safety.
Normal ranges for lipid levels are:
• Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: more than 40 mg/dL for men and more than 50 mg/dL for women
• Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lifestyle is the greatest contributing factor that can lead to many diseases, especially noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide, and they share four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.These modifiable behaviours increase the risk of metabolic risk factors such as raised blood pressure, increased blood glucose, elevated blood lipids and obesity, which can lead to NCDs.
Choice A is wrong because trauma is not a factor that can lead to many diseases, but rather a result of injuries or accidents that damage the body.Trauma can cause acute or chronic conditions, such as infections, bleeding, fractures, organ failure or post-traumatic stress disorder, but it is not a common cause of NCDs.
Choice C is wrong because congenital means present at birth or inherited.
Congenital diseases are caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors that affect the development of the fetus.
Some examples of congenital diseases are Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart defects and spina bifida.
Congenital diseases are not the greatest contributing factor to many diseases because they are relatively rare and often detected early.
Choice D is wrong because genetics refers to the inherited traits from parents that influence the risk of developing certain diseases.
Genetics can play a role in some NCDs, such as cancers, diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases, but it is not the only or the most important factor.
Genetics interacts with environmental and lifestyle factors to determine the likelihood of developing a disease.
Therefore, genetics alone cannot lead to many diseases.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today