The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with hypocalcemia. What additional assessments should the nurse include when caring for this patient?
Drug toxicity.
Other electrolyte disturbances.
Hypertension.
Visual disturbances.
The Correct Answer is B
Other electrolyte disturbances.
Choice A rationale:
Drug toxicity is not directly related to hypocalcemia. The main concern in hypocalcemia is the calcium imbalance itself, not drug toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Other electrolyte disturbances should be assessed because imbalances in other electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, are often associated with hypocalcemia. Electrolyte imbalances can interact and exacerbate each other, potentially leading to more severe complications.
Choice C rationale:
Hypertension is not a typical assessment finding in hypocalcemia. Hypertension is not directly related to calcium levels but may have other underlying causes.
Choice D rationale:
Visual disturbances are not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more likely to present with neuromuscular and cardiovascular symptoms, rather than visual disturbances.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Digoxin. Choice A rationale:
Potassium chloride (KCL) is a supplement used to treat or prevent low potassium levels. While it can have side effects, visual disturbances are not typically associated with KCL. Therefore, it is not the medication the nurse suspects to be causing the problem.
Choice B rationale:
Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clot formation. Visual disturbances are not a known side effect of warfarin. Therefore, it is unlikely to be the cause of the patient's symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Aspirin (ASA) is a pain reliever and antiplatelet medication, and while it can cause visual disturbances in some cases, it is not a common or significant side effect. Aspirin is also not specifically linked to atrial fibrillation.
Choice D rationale:
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Visual disturbances are a known side effect of digoxin toxicity. Given the patient's diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and the reported symptoms, the nurse suspects the problem lies with digoxin and should further investigate and report to the provider.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Reduction of T-wave amplitude.
Choice A rationale:
The amplitude of the QRS complex is not directly affected by changes in serum potassium levels. It represents ventricular depolarization, and its restoration would not be an expected outcome of polystyrene sulfonate treatment
Choice B rationale:
Shortening of the P-wave duration is not an expected change with polystyrene sulfonate treatment. The P-wave represents atrial depolarization, which is not significantly impacted by the administration of this medication
Choice C rationale:
Widening of the QRS complex is associated with high serum potassium levels. The goal of polystyrene sulfonate treatment is to lower potassium levels and, thus, return the QRS complex to its normal width
Choice D rationale:
Polystyrene sulfonate aims to reduce serum potassium levels. When effective, this should result in a reduction of T-wave amplitude, which is a common ECG change seen with hyperkalemia
In conclusion, choice D is the correct answer, as a reduction in T-wave amplitude would be the expected change on the client's ECG if polystyrene sulfonate effectively lowers their serum potassium level.
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