Which assessment finding will the nurse expect for a patient with the following laboratory values: sodium 145 mEq/L, potassium 45 mq, calcium 45 mg/dL?
Light-headedness when standing up
Weak quadriceps muscles
Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Tingling of extremities
The Correct Answer is D
A. Light-headedness when standing up:
Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis, cardiac dysrhythmias, and even cardiac arrest. Light-headedness when standing up is more commonly associated with orthostatic hypotension or volume depletion rather than electrolyte imbalances like hyperkalemia.
B. Weak quadriceps muscles:
Weakness in the quadriceps muscles is not typically associated with the electrolyte imbalances presented in the scenario. Hyperkalemia can cause muscle weakness, but it is not specific to the quadriceps.
C. Decreased deep tendon reflexes:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes are not typically associated with the electrolyte imbalances presented in the scenario. Hyperkalemia can lead to hyperreflexia or absent reflexes, but it is not specific to decreased deep tendon reflexes.
D. Tingling of extremities:
This is the correct answer. Hypocalcemia, indicated by the low calcium level in the scenario, can manifest with symptoms such as tingling or numbness of the extremities, muscle cramps, and tetany. Calcium plays a crucial role in nerve transmission, and low levels can lead to sensory disturbances like tingling in the extremities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A) Increase hematocrit: Fluid overload typically results in dilutional effects on the blood, leading to a decrease in hematocrit rather than an increase. Hematocrit levels may decrease due to the relative decrease in the concentration of red blood cells in relation to plasma.
B) Increased temperature: Fluid overload is not typically associated with an increase in body temperature. While fever can occur as a result of infection, it is not a direct manifestation of fluid overload.
C) Increased heart rate: Fluid overload can lead to increased blood volume, which results in an increased workload for the heart. As a compensatory mechanism, the heart rate may increase to maintain adequate cardiac output.
D) Increased respiratory rate: Fluid overload can cause pulmonary congestion and impair gas exchange in the lungs, leading to respiratory distress. As a result, the respiratory rate may increase as the body attempts to compensate for the decreased oxygenation.
E) Increased blood pressure: Fluid overload can lead to an increase in blood volume, which results in increased pressure within the blood vessels. As a result, blood pressure may rise as the heart works harder to pump the excess fluid throughout the body.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) The client with end-stage renal failure scheduled for dialysis is at risk for fluid volume excess rather than deficit. Dialysis is a treatment to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body, which can lead to fluid volume deficit if not managed appropriately, but the scenario does not indicate current dehydration.
B) The client with gastroenteritis and fever is at risk for fluid volume deficit due to fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever-induced diaphoresis. Gastroenteritis commonly leads to dehydration, especially when accompanied by fever, which increases fluid loss through sweating.
C) The client with left-sided heart failure and an elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is at risk for fluid volume excess rather than deficit. Elevated BNP levels indicate heart failure, which can result in fluid retention and volume overload rather than deficit.
D) The client who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy is at risk for fluid volume deficit due to fasting. However, the severity and duration of fasting are not specified in the scenario, so it may not present an immediate risk compared to the client with gastroenteritis and fever.
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