Nokea
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.
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What ECG changes are expected in a patient with hypokalemia?
- A. Flattened T waves
- B. Prominent U waves
- C. Widened QRS complexes
- D. Tall T waves
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Flattened T waves are an early indicator of hypokalemia on an ECG. Hypokalemia primarily presents with flattened T waves, not prominent U waves, widened QRS complexes, or tall T waves. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia only in severe cases. Widened QRS complexes are more indicative of hyperkalemia, while tall T waves are seen in hyperkalemia as well.
What is the first action a healthcare provider should take for a patient with possible acute coronary syndrome?
- A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
- B. Get IV access
- C. Auscultate heart sounds
- D. Obtain cardiac enzymes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering sublingual nitroglycerin is the initial priority action for a patient with possible acute coronary syndrome. Nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, reduce chest pain, and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps in relieving symptoms and preventing further damage to the heart. Establishing IV access, auscultating heart sounds, and obtaining cardiac enzymes are important steps in the assessment and management of acute coronary syndrome but are not the first actions to be taken. IV access may be needed for administering medications or fluids, auscultating heart sounds helps in assessing the heart's function, and obtaining cardiac enzymes aids in diagnosing a heart attack.
A patient with hypokalemia is being monitored. What should the nurse assess for?
- A. Muscle weakness
- B. Flattened T waves
- C. Checking deep tendon reflexes
- D. Seizures
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Question: A patient with hypokalemia is being monitored. What should the nurse assess for?
Corrected Choice A: Muscle weakness
Corrected Choice B: Flattened T waves
Corrected Choice C: Checking deep tendon reflexes
Corrected Choice D: Seizures
Rationale: Hypokalemia is associated with muscle weakness due to the effect of low potassium levels on muscle function. Flattened T waves on an ECG are characteristic of hypokalemia but are not a direct assessment for the patient's condition. Checking deep tendon reflexes and seizures are not primary symptoms associated with hypokalemia, making them less relevant for monitoring a patient with this electrolyte imbalance.
What is the initial action for treating chest pain in acute coronary syndrome?
- A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
- B. Administer aspirin
- C. Check cardiac enzymes
- D. Obtain IV access
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct initial action for treating chest pain in acute coronary syndrome is to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin helps dilate blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart and improving blood flow to the heart muscle. Administering aspirin can also be beneficial, but the priority is to address chest pain promptly. Checking cardiac enzymes and obtaining IV access are important steps but are not the initial actions needed to alleviate chest pain in acute coronary syndrome.
What should be monitored in a patient receiving insulin who is at risk for hypoglycemia?
- A. Monitor blood glucose levels
- B. Monitor for respiratory distress
- C. Monitor for hypertension
- D. Monitor for hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Question: In a patient receiving insulin who is at risk for hypoglycemia, monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial. This helps in preventing and identifying hypoglycemia promptly. Choice B, monitoring for respiratory distress, is not directly related to hypoglycemia caused by insulin. Choice C, monitoring for hypertension, is not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Choice D, monitoring for hyperkalemia, is not a common concern in patients receiving insulin who are at risk for hypoglycemia.