A nurse is caring for a client who has nephrotic syndrome and is receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy. For which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor?
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not the correct answer. Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not cause hyperkalemia, but rather hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, acidosis, or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is the correct answer. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium and sodium in the urine. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.
Choice C reason: Hypermagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypermagnesemia is a high level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypermagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, excessive antacid use, or magnesium-containing laxatives.
Choice D reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, alcoholism, or diuretic use.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because hypotension is not a common effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy. Corticosteroids can cause fluid retention and sodium retention, which can lead to hypertension, not hypotension.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because muscle weakness is not the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can cause muscle wasting and loss of muscle mass, which can affect the patient's mobility and strength, but not as much as delayed wound healing.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because osteoporosis is not the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can cause bone loss and increased risk of fractures, which can affect the patient's bone health and stability, but not as much as delayed wound healing.
Choice D reason: This is correct because delayed wound healing is the most impactful effect of long-term corticosteroid therapy on the patient's recovery. Corticosteroids can impair the inflammatory response and the immune system, which can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. This can affect the patient's recovery time and quality.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that does not affect blood glucose levels. It is safe to use for clients with diabetes.
Choice B reason: Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause glucose intolerance by increasing glucose production and decreasing insulin sensitivity. It can worsen hyperglycemia and increase the risk of diabetic complications.
Choice C reason: Atorvastatin is a statin that lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. It does not cause glucose intolerance and may have a beneficial effect on glycemic control.
Choice D reason: Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that reduces stomach acid production and treats ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease. It does not cause glucose intolerance and has no significant interaction with diabetes medications.
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