Review the monitor tab and the Labs tab

Monitor

Labs

LAB	Result	Normal Range
Potassium	2.8 mEq/L	3.5-5.3mEq/L
Sodium	133 mEq/L	135-145 mEqL
Chloride	90 mEq/L	97-107 mEqL
Glucose	200 mg/dL	70mg/dL to 110mg/dL
Magnesium	2.5 mg/dL	1.6-2.2 mg/dL

Calcium

8.0 mg/dL

8.2-10.2 mg/dL:

The nurse observes the rhythm below for a client on the telemetry unit. Which laboratory value result would the nurse suspect contributed to the development of this dysrhythmia?

Sodium

Magnesium

Calcium

Potassium

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Sodium is crucial for maintaining normal cellular function, especially for nerve impulses and muscle contractions. However, sodium imbalances typically affect the general function of the heart, and sodium abnormalities are not commonly associated with torsades de pointes, which is a type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
B.   Magnesium plays a critical role in the electrical stability of the heart and helps regulate potassium and calcium channels, which are involved in the cardiac action potential. Hypomagnesemia (low magnesium) is a well-known risk factor for torsades de pointes, a specific type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia that is associated with QT interval prolongation. In this case, the magnesium level is 2.5 mg/dL, which is above the normal range (1.6-2.2 mg/dL), suggesting hypermagnesemia.
C.   Calcium is vital for proper muscle function, including the heart muscle, and is essential for electrical conduction. Hypocalcemia (low calcium) can lead to QT interval prolongation, which in turn increases the risk for arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the calcium level is 8.0 mg/dL, which is only slightly below the normal range (8.2-10.2 mg/dL), making calcium a less likely primary contributor to torsades de pointes in this situation.
D.   Potassium plays a crucial role in regulating the resting membrane potential and action potentials in cardiac cells. Hypokalemia (low potassium) can lead to QT prolongation and increase the risk of arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes. However, in this case, the potassium level is 2.8 mEq/L, which is low (normal range: 3.5-5.3 mEq/L), and hypokalemia is more commonly associated with arrhythmias such as torsades de pointes than hyperkalemia (high potassium).

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This question assesses the client's level of orthopnea, which is a condition where the client experiences difficulty breathing when lying flat. People with heart failure may need to use multiple pillows to prop themselves up to breathe more easily at night, making it an important question to assess respiratory status.
B. Chest pain with exertion can be indicative of cardiovascular issues but this question does not directly assess the client's respiratory status.
C. Tight rings and shoes can indicate fluid retention and edema, but it does not provide specific information about respiratory status.
D. Frequent nighttime voiding (nocturia) is common in heart failure, but it relates more to kidney function and fluid retention rather than respiratory function.

A. Administer timolol eye drops to both eyes B. Insert an indwelling catheter C. Administer an antidiarrheal medication D. Provide frequent oral care

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Timolol eye drops are not indicated following the administration of atropine, as atropine has no effect on intraocular pressure.
B. Inserting an indwelling catheter is not necessary for the administration of atropine, which is used to treat bradycardia, not urinary retention.
C. Administering an antidiarrheal medication is unrelated to atropine administration; atropine typically causes dry mouth rather than diarrhea.
D. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that decreases saliva production, which can lead to dry mouth and discomfort. Frequent oral care is important to prevent oral mucosal irritation and discomfort for the client.

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Review the monitor tab and the Labs tab Monitor

Labs

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is performing the initial assessment of a client diagnosed with heart failure. Which question should the nurse ask to best assess the client's respiratory status?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse administers atropine 0.5 mg IV to a client. Which action should be performed after the client has received this medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient is to receive a continuous infusion of Diltiazem at 5 mg/hr for Atrial fibrillation. The medication is supplied 125 mg of Diltiazem in 125 mL of Iv fluid. At what rate should the nurse set the IV pump? (round to the nearest whole number)

Complete the following sentences with the list of drop down The nurse assesses the client's rhythm on the monitor. The patient is unresponsive with no pulse. The nurse identifies the rhythm asdropdown. The nurse's priority action isdropdown

The physician has just informed a client with advanced heart failure that a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) will be needed. The client is crying and says to the nurse, "I just know that I am going to die. What's the point of treatment?" The priority nursing action is to:

The nurse is evaluating the outcomes for a client diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which laboratory value reflects a positive outcome?

The nurse is caring for a client receiving a heparin infusion for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following lab results would indicate a sub-therapeutic level? An activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of :……. (normal value: 25-35 seconds)

The nurse is caring for a client in the coronary care unit and the monitor depicts the rhythm shown below. What is the nurse’s interpretation of this rhythm?

The client diagnosed with acute heart failure is prescribed an infusion of dopamine at a low dose. Which assessment parameter should the nurse use to best evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

Review the monitor tab and the Labs tab

Monitor