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 D
Explanation
Anticoagulant drugs are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger.
They do not dissolve existing clots or transport platelets. They work by interfering with different steps of the blood coagulation pathway, which is the process that leads to clot formation.
Choice A is wrong because anticoagulant drugs do not dissolve existing clots.
To dissolve clots, you need fibrinolytic drugs, which break down the fibrin mesh that holds the clots together.
Choice B is wrong because anticoagulant drugs do not transport platelets.
Platelets are blood cells that stick together to form clots.
Anticoagulant drugs may affect the function of platelets, but they do not move them around.
Choice C is wrong because anticoagulant drugs do not act as fibrinolytic agents.
Fibrinolytic agents are drugs that activate plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin.
Anticoagulant drugs may inhibit the formation of fibrin, but they do not break it down.
Some examples of anticoagulant drugs are warfarin, heparin, and factor Xa inhibitors.
The normal ranges for some blood tests that measure the effects of anticoagulants are:
• Prothrombin time (PT): 11 to 13.5 seconds
• International normalized ratio (INR): 0.8 to 1.2
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): 25 to 35 seconds
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Intermittent claudication is a condition in which leg pain is produced upon increased activity and ischemia to tissues, but then the pain is reduced with rest. This is because the blood flow to the leg muscles is insufficient to meet the increased demand during exercise, but adequate at rest.Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs.
Choice B, sporadic ischemia, is wrong because it is not a specific medical term for a condition that causes leg pain.
Ischemia means reduced blood flow to a part of the body, which can cause pain, but it can be caused by various factors and affect different organs.
Choice C, angina, is wrong because it is a term for chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, not the legs.
Angina can also be triggered by physical activity and relieved by rest, but it is not related to PAD or leg ischemia.
Choice D, restless leg syndrome, is wrong because it is a condition that causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, usually at night or when lying down.
Restless leg syndrome does not cause pain or ischemia in the legs, and it is not improved by rest.It is thought to be related to a problem with the nervous system or iron deficiency.
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