The nurse is using Chvostek sign to assess for hypocalcemia. Which statement correctly describes this test?
Tap the face just below and in front of the ear.
Inflate a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm for 4 minutes.
Apply pressure over the ulnar and radial arteries.
Forcefully dorsiflex the ankle when the knee is in an extended position.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Tap the face just below and in front of the ear: This is the correct technique for eliciting Chvostek’s sign, which involves tapping over the facial nerve. A positive sign (twitching of facial muscles) indicates hypocalcemia.
B. Inflate a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm for 4 minutes: This describes Trousseau’s sign, another test for hypocalcemia, where carpopedal spasm occurs due to ischemia.
C. Apply pressure over the ulnar and radial arteries: This describes Allen’s test, used to assess arterial blood flow, not calcium levels.
D. Forcefully dorsiflex the ankle when the knee is in an extended position: This describes Homan’s sign, which is used to assess for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), not hypocalcemia.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The patient can experience speed shock: Speed shock is a rapid infusion of a substance (like a medication or fluid) into the bloodstream, usually occurring when the infusion rate is too fast. This is not typically caused by flushing a clotted cannula.
B. A clot can be forced into the circulation causing serious complications: Flushing a clotted cannula too aggressively can dislodge a clot, causing it to travel into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications like embolism or stroke, especially if the clot is large or travels to a vital organ.
C. A painful arterial spasm can occur: While arterial spasms can occur, they are more often related to arterial catheterization or manipulation rather than flushing a venous cannula.
D. The catheter can become dislodged and fall out: While this could potentially happen, it is less of a concern compared to the risk of pushing a clot into circulation, which is a more immediate danger.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Have the laboratory draw a blood sample for an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR measures inflammation and is unrelated to hyperkalemia.
B. Restrict fluid intake: Fluid restriction is not appropriate for hyperkalemia unless specifically related to fluid overload or renal failure.
C. Obtain a 12-lead ECG: Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias such as peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, or asystole. ECG monitoring is essential.
D. Administer potassium gluconate 40 mEq orally: This would worsen hyperkalemia and is contraindicated.
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