What are the expected changes on an ECG for a patient with hypokalemia?
- A. Flattened T waves
- B. Prominent U waves
- C. ST elevation
- D. Wide QRS complexes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flattened T waves are an early sign of hypokalemia on an ECG. Hypokalemia primarily manifests as flattened T waves on an ECG. While prominent U waves can be seen in hypokalemia, they are not as specific as flattened T waves. ST elevation is more commonly associated with conditions like myocardial infarction rather than hypokalemia. Wide QRS complexes are typically not a feature of hypokalemia on an ECG.
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A client has a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). What should the nurse teach?
- A. Avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime
- B. Consume liquids between meals
- C. Eat large meals to increase caloric intake
- D. Avoid liquids to prevent aspiration
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime. For a client with a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), it is crucial to avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime to reduce reflux that can worsen symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because consuming liquids between meals is not specifically related to managing TIA. Choice C is incorrect as eating large meals may not be recommended, especially if the client needs to watch their caloric intake. Choice D is incorrect because avoiding liquids entirely can lead to dehydration and is not a standard recommendation for TIA management.
A nurse is planning care for a patient diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. What should be included in the care plan?
- A. Monitor serum albumin levels
- B. Restrict protein intake to 0.55-0.60 g/kg/day
- C. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake
- D. Teach the patient to avoid alcohol
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor serum albumin levels. In patients with diabetes insipidus, monitoring serum albumin levels is essential to assess for dehydration and nutritional deficits. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to managing diabetes insipidus. Restricting protein intake, encouraging fluid intake, and teaching the patient to avoid alcohol are interventions that may be relevant for other medical conditions but are not specific to addressing the needs of a patient with diabetes insipidus.
What are the expected symptoms in a patient with a thrombotic stroke?
- A. Gradual loss of function on one side of the body
- B. Sudden loss of consciousness
- C. Severe headache and confusion
- D. Loss of sensation in the affected limb
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A thrombotic stroke typically presents with a gradual loss of function on one side of the body. This gradual onset distinguishes it from a hemorrhagic stroke, which often manifests with sudden and severe symptoms like loss of consciousness (choice B), severe headache and confusion (choice C), or loss of sensation in the affected limb (choice D). Therefore, choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with thrombotic strokes.
What is the priority intervention when a patient experiences abdominal cramping during enema administration?
- A. Lower the height of the enema solution container
- B. Stop the procedure and remove the tubing
- C. Continue the enema at a slower rate
- D. Increase the flow of the enema solution
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to lower the height of the enema solution container. This action can help relieve abdominal cramping by slowing the flow of the enema, reducing discomfort for the patient. Choice B, stopping the procedure and removing the tubing, is not the priority as adjusting the height of the container can often resolve the issue without needing to stop the procedure completely. Choice C, continuing the enema at a slower rate, may not address the immediate discomfort experienced by the patient. Choice D, increasing the flow of the enema solution, can exacerbate the cramping and should be avoided.
When caring for a patient with hypokalemia, what should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Monitor for muscle weakness
- B. Check for cardiac dysrhythmias
- C. Monitor for bradycardia
- D. Monitor for seizures
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Answer: Muscle weakness is a common sign of hypokalemia. The nurse should monitor for muscle weakness as potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, bradycardia, and even seizures in severe cases, muscle weakness is a more common and specific sign directly related to potassium levels.