A patient with chronic kidney disease is being examined.
Which symptom is indicative of hyperkalemia?
Wheezing
Cerebral edema
Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Hypoactive bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Wheezing Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rather than being a symptom of hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale:
Cerebral edema Cerebral edema, or swelling in the brain, is not typically a symptom of hyperkalemia. It’s more commonly associated with traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.
Choice C rationale:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes Decreased deep tendon reflexes can be a symptom of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the potassium levels in your blood get too high. Potassium helps nerves send signals between your brain and the rest of your body. High levels of potassium can affect nerve function, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness or decreased reflexes. Choice D rationale:
Hypoactive bowel sounds Hypoactive bowel sounds, or decreased or absent bowel sounds, are typically associated with conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system, such as ileus or bowel obstruction. They are not typically a symptom of hyperkalemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
The correct answers are Choices A and C.
Choice A rationale: Ignoring the urge to defecate can lead to constipation because the longer stool remains in the colon, the more water is absorbed from it, making it harder and more difficult to pass. This can lead to a cycle of further constipation and discomfort.
Choice B rationale: Increased fiber in the diet usually helps prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool and making it easier to pass. Therefore, it is not a cause of constipation, but rather a preventive measure.
Choice C rationale: Excessive laxative use can lead to dependence on laxatives for bowel movements and can disrupt normal bowel function. Over time, this can lead to constipation as the bowel becomes less responsive to normal stimuli.
Choice D rationale: Increased activity generally helps to prevent constipation by stimulating bowel motility. Physical exercise can enhance the efficiency of the digestive system, so it is not a cause of constipation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Numbness in the fingers is not typically a symptom of respiratory acidosis. This condition is characterized by an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body, which leads to a decrease in the pH of your blood, making it too acidic. Numbness in the fingers could be a symptom of other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy or Raynaud’s disease.
Choice B rationale:
Abdominal pain is also not a common symptom of respiratory acidosis. While abdominal discomfort can occur in a variety of conditions, it is not directly associated with the acid-base balance disturbance that characterizes respiratory acidosis.
Conditions that commonly cause abdominal pain include gastrointestinal issues like gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.
Choice C rationale:
Dry skin is not a symptom of respiratory acidosis. The skin’s condition can be influenced by many factors, including hydration, environmental conditions, and certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Respiratory acidosis, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the acid-base balance in the body due to alveolar hypoventilation.
Choice D rationale:
Lethargy is indeed a symptom of respiratory acidosis. This condition occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough CO2, leading to an increase in the acidity of the blood. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis vary according to how long you’ve had the condition and its severity. Initial symptoms can include anxiety, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. If left untreated or in severe cases, symptoms may include fatigue, lethargy, delirium, or confusion. Therefore, a nurse assessing a patient with respiratory acidosis should anticipate lethargy among other symptoms.
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