Which electrolyte is associated with a change in pH of blood?
Calcium
Sodium
Magnesium
Potassium
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: Calcium
Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve transmission. While calcium is essential for maintaining overall health, it is not directly associated with changes in blood pH. Calcium levels are tightly regulated by hormones such as parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcitonin, but these do not significantly influence blood pH.
Choice B: Sodium
Sodium is a major extracellular electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Although sodium is vital for maintaining osmotic balance and blood pressure, it does not directly affect blood pH. Sodium levels are primarily controlled by the kidneys and hormones like aldosterone, which do not have a direct impact on the acid-base balance of the blood.
Choice C: Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, and blood glucose control. While magnesium is important for overall health, it does not have a direct role in altering blood pH. Magnesium levels are regulated by the kidneys and are essential for maintaining normal muscle and nerve function, but they do not directly influence the acid-base balance.
Choice D: Potassium
Potassium is a key intracellular electrolyte that plays a significant role in maintaining the acid-base balance of the blood. Changes in potassium levels can affect the pH of the blood. For example, hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) can lead to acidosis, while hypokalemia (low potassium levels) can lead to alkalosis. Potassium helps regulate the hydrogen ion concentration in the blood, which directly impacts the pH. Therefore, potassium is the electrolyte most closely associated with changes in blood pH.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering the drug at intervals longer than the drug half-life is not typically recommended for medications with a narrow therapeutic range. These drugs require precise dosing to maintain therapeutic levels without reaching toxic levels. Extending the dosing interval could lead to subtherapeutic levels, reducing the drug’s effectiveness.
Choice B Reason:
Teaching the patient that maximum drug effects will occur within a short period is not specific to drugs with a narrow therapeutic range. While some medications may have rapid onset of action, the critical aspect of narrow therapeutic range drugs is maintaining consistent blood levels to avoid toxicity or subtherapeutic effects.
Choice C Reason:
Administering the medication intravenously is not a requirement for all drugs with a narrow therapeutic range. While IV administration can provide precise control over drug levels, many narrow therapeutic range drugs can be administered orally or through other routes. The key is monitoring and adjusting the dose based on blood levels.
Choice D Reason:
Ordering lab tests to check blood drug levels is essential for managing medications with a narrow therapeutic range. These drugs have a small margin between therapeutic and toxic doses, so regular monitoring of blood levels helps ensure the drug remains within the safe and effective range. This practice is known as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and is crucial for drugs like warfarin, phenytoin, and digoxin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Beta 2 Agonist Decreases Blood Pressure
Beta 2 agonists primarily cause bronchodilation and vasodilation, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. However, this is not their primary function, and they are more commonly associated with the relaxation of smooth muscles in the airways.
Choice B: Beta 1 Agonist Increases Blood Pressure
Beta 1 receptors are primarily located in the heart. Activation of these receptors increases heart rate and contractility, which in turn increases cardiac output and blood pressure. Therefore, beta 1 agonists are known to increase blood pressure.
Choice C: Beta 2 Agonist Reduces Blood Pressure
Similar to choice A, beta 2 agonists can cause vasodilation, which may reduce blood pressure. However, this is not their primary therapeutic use, and they are mainly used for their bronchodilatory effects.
Choice D: Beta 1 Agonist Reduces Blood Pressure
Beta 1 agonists increase heart rate and contractility, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, this statement is incorrect as beta 1 agonists do not reduce blood pressure.
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