An elderly patient has been having copious vomiting for several days and has become lethargic and weak. His mucous membranes are dry.

He has poor skin turgor.

Lab work shows: sodium of 145, ABGs: pH 7.58, PCO2 38, HCO3 38, PO2 95, SO2 98. Which response best explains the patient’s lethargy and weakness?

The hypokalemia brought on severe muscle spasms, causing exhaustion.

Due to his low potassium, his cells rely on glycolysis.

Due to the hypokalemia, his cells are hyperpolarized.

The hypernatremia caused cellular dehydration, leading to lethargy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cramps, but it does not typically lead to severe muscle spasms causing exhaustion. The patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely related to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration rather than muscle spasms.
Choice B rationale
While low potassium levels can affect cellular metabolism, the primary issue here is not glycolysis. The patient’s symptoms are more consistent with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than a metabolic shift to glycolysis.
Choice C rationale
Hypokalemia can cause cells to become hyperpolarized, leading to muscle weakness and decreased reflexes. However, the patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than cellular hyperpolarization.
Choice D rationale
Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels, can cause cellular dehydration, leading to symptoms such as lethargy and weakness. The patient’s lab results and clinical presentation are consistent with hypernatremia-induced cellular dehydration, which explains his symptoms.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Cerebral ischemia due to an embolus that originates in the left atrium is a common complication of chronic atrial fibrillation (AFib). AFib causes irregular and chaotic electrical signals in the atria, leading to poor blood flow and the formation of blood clots. These clots can travel to the brain, causing a stroke. This is the most acute and severe event associated with chronic AFib.
Choice B rationale
Development of ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia that can occur in patients with severe heart disease, but it is not a common acute event in chronic AFib.
Ventricular fibrillation involves the ventricles and is characterized by rapid, erratic electrical impulses, leading to ineffective heart contractions and sudden cardiac arrest.
Choice C rationale
Ischemia of the cerebellum due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm is not directly related to chronic AFib. While AFib increases the risk of stroke, it does not specifically cause aneurysms or cerebellar ischemia. Aneurysms are typically related to other risk factors such as hypertension and vascular abnormalities.
Choice D rationale
Prolonged capillary refill secondary to a complete lack of cardiac output is a sign of severe cardiac dysfunction or shock. While AFib can lead to heart failure and reduced cardiac output, it does not typically cause a complete lack of cardiac output. The most acute event related to AFib is the formation of emboli and subsequent stroke.

A. Blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg. B. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute. C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute. D. Temperature of 37°C (98.6°F).

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is indicative of a hypertensive crisis. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Choice B rationale
A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate a hypertensive crisis. While it is important to monitor heart rate, it is not a definitive sign of a hypertensive emergency.
Choice C rationale
A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the normal range and does not indicate a hypertensive crisis. Respiratory rate alone is not a reliable indicator of hypertensive emergencies.
Choice D rationale
A temperature of 37°C (98.6°F) is normal and does not indicate a hypertensive crisis. Body temperature is not a primary indicator of hypertensive emergencies.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which acute event is most likely to occur in a patient who has chronic atrial fibrillation?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a severe headache and blurred vision. Which of the following findings would indicate a hypertensive crisis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who presents with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F), a heart rate of 110 beats per minute, and a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg.Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?

Which assessment data would indicate to the nurse that pharmacologic treatment with antibiotics and antacids has been effective for the patient diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease (PUD) secondary to H. pylori?

A client presents with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) and a stiff neck. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

A patient, who is on complete bed rest following extensive surgery, begins to complain of chest pain and shortness of breath with hemoptysis. His SO2 measures 90%. The nurse recognizes that the patient is most likely exhibiting signs and symptoms of which condition?

A nurse is caring for a client with a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) who presents with a stiff neck and photophobia. Which condition should the nurse suspect?

A nurse is assessing a client with a temperature of 38.5°C (101.3°F) and a white blood cell count of 15,000/mm³. Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?

A nurse is reviewing a client’s complete blood count (CBC) and notes an RBC count of 3.5 million/mm³ and a mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of 102 mm³. Based on these values, the most appropriate action for the nurse would be to:

A nurse is caring for a client with a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) and a respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute. Which condition is the client most likely experiencing?