A patient with chronic renal failure has an occluded arteriovenous fistula, and routine hemodialysis is delayed. However, the patient's serum potassium level is 6.0 mEq/L. What should the nurse expect to be prescribed for this patient? Select all that apply.
Sodium bicarbonate.
Dextrose 10%.
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate).
Insulin.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
A, C, and D.
Choice A rationale:
The administration of sodium bicarbonate helps to correct acidosis, which can occur in chronic renal failure due to the accumulation of metabolic waste products in the absence of effective kidney function.
Choice C rationale:
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is used to treat hyperkalemia, which is common in chronic renal failure due to impaired potassium excretion by the kidneys.
Choice D rationale:
Insulin can be prescribed to treat hyperkalemia by promoting the uptake of potassium into cells, thereby reducing the serum potassium level. Choice B and E rationale: Dextrose 10% and furosemide (Lasix) are not appropriate treatments for hyperkalemia. Dextrose 10% is a sugar solution and does not impact potassium levels, while furosemide is a loop diuretic that primarily affects sodium and water excretion, not potassium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
The patient's tachycardia, pale, cool skin, and decreased urine output are signs of the body's natural compensatory mechanisms in response to fluid volume deficit. When the body
experiences a decrease in fluid volume, it tries to compensate by increasing heart rate (tachycardia) to maintain blood flow to vital organs and constricting blood vessels to preserve fluid and maintain blood pressure. Pale, cool skin is a result of vasoconstriction, and decreased urine output is a way the body conserves water during dehydration.
Choice A rationale:
Effects of rapidly infused intravenous fluids are not the cause of the patient's current findings. In fact, the nurse's notes indicate that the IV fluid therapy (0.9% sodium chloride) was initiated at 125 mL/hr, which is a relatively standard and cautious rate. Rapidly infused fluids could potentially cause fluid overload, but that is not the situation here.
Choice C rationale:
Pharmacological effects of a diuretic are not relevant to this patient's presentation. There is no mention of diuretic use in the nurse's notes, and the symptoms presented are more consistent with fluid volume deficit and dehydration rather than diuretic use.
Choice D rationale:
Cardiac failure is not the correct answer, as there is no indication of heart failure in the patient's presentation or nurse's notes. The symptoms and findings described are more indicative of fluid volume deficit, which is not synonymous with cardiac failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.