Which of the following complications can occur if a clotted cannula is flushed too aggressively?

The patient can experience speed shock

A clot can be forced into the circulation causing serious complications.

A painful arterial spasm can occur

The catheter can become dislodged and fall out.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Cardiac dysrhythmias: Hypokalemia impairs cardiac muscle function, potentially leading to arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or premature ventricular contractions.

B. Hypoglycemia: Potassium does not directly cause hypoglycemia; its imbalance more commonly affects cardiac and neuromuscular function.

C. Hyperreflexia: Hypokalemia usually causes muscle weakness and diminished reflexes (hyporeflexia), not hyperreflexia.

D. Increased appetite: Hypokalemia does not typically affect appetite.

A. Hematocrit 45% (37% to 52%) B. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL (0.5-1.2 mg/dL) C. BUN 25 mg/dL (10-20 mg/dL) D. Urine specific gravity 1.028 (1.005 to 1.030)

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hematocrit 45% (37% to 52%): This value is within the normal range for hematocrit. Dehydration may increase the hematocrit due to a relative increase in red blood cell concentration, but 45% is still within normal limits.

B. Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL (0.5-1.2 mg/dL): This value is within the normal range for creatinine, indicating normal kidney function.

C. BUN 25 mg/dL (10-20 mg/dL): An elevated BUN level is a sign of dehydration as it reflects increased protein breakdown and decreased renal perfusion. This value is above the normal range and should be reported to the provider.

D. Urine specific gravity 1.028 (1.005 to 1.030): This value is within the normal range and indicates that the kidneys are concentrating urine, which is typical in dehydration as the body tries to conserve water.

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Which of the following complications can occur if a clotted cannula is flushed too aggressively?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking a loop diuretic and notes the client's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L (3.5-5 mEq/L). Which of the following physiological responses should the nurse expect related to the client's hypokalemia?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is monitoring a client who is dehydrated. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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