Patient MK is admited with Atrial Fibrillation an irregular heart rhythm. She is also complaining of muscle cramps to her legs and that she started a new diuretic last week. What lab value are you most likely to find on her Complete Metabolic Panel?
Mg2 – 20 mEq/L
Na+ - 123 mEq/L
Ca2 – 10.0 mg/dl
K+ - - 3.1 mEq/L
The Correct Answer is D
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, and diuretics are often used in the management of patients with this condition to help control fluid balance. However, diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances, especially hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), which can lead to muscle cramps and other complications.
A Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures various electrolytes, glucose, and other important components. Among the options given, the most likely lab value to be abnormal in Patient MK's case is a low level of potassium (K+), which is consistent with her symptoms and diuretic use. Option d, K+ -
-
- mEq/L, is the correct option as it represents a low level of potassium, which is defined as a value less than 3.5 mEq/L.
Option a, Mg2 – 20 mEq/L, represents high magnesium levels, which are not typically associated with diuretic use or muscle cramps. Option b, Na+ - 123 mEq/L, represents low sodium levels, which are less likely to occur with diuretic use, and are typically associated with other conditions. Option c, Ca2 – 10.0 mg/dl, represents normal calcium levels and is not typically affected by diuretic use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A PICC line is a long, thin tube that’s inserted through a vein in your arm and passed through to the larger veins near your heart 1. If the PICC line is touching a chamber of the heart, it is most likely touching the right atrium 2.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the PN is not familiar with the nursing diagnosis criteria. Three defining characteristics are not the least number required for the diagnosis of Impaired Verbal Communication.
Choice B reason: This is correct because it shows that the PN is familiar with the nursing diagnosis criteria. One defining characteristic is the least number required for the diagnosis of Impaired Verbal Communication, according to the NANDA-I taxonomy.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the PN is not familiar with the nursing diagnosis criteria. Four defining characteristics are not the least number required for the diagnosis of Impaired Verbal Communication.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because it shows that the PN is not familiar with the nursing diagnosis criteria. Two defining characteristics are not the least number required for the diagnosis of Impaired Verbal Communication.
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