how should a nurse respond to a patient with hypokalemia

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient with hypokalemia?

A. Administer potassium supplements and monitor ECG
B. Restrict fluid intake and provide a high-sodium diet
C. Monitor sodium levels and provide insulin therapy
D. Provide calcium supplements and monitor for hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypokalemia is managed by administering potassium supplements to correct the low potassium levels in the body. Monitoring the ECG is essential because low potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect as restricting fluid intake and providing a high-sodium diet are not appropriate for managing hypokalemia. Choice C is incorrect because hypokalemia involves low potassium levels, not sodium levels, and insulin therapy does not directly address this issue. Choice D is incorrect as calcium supplements are not indicated for hypokalemia, and monitoring for hyperkalemia is not relevant in this case.

2. A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which of the following assessment findings indicates that the medication is effective?

A. Elevated blood pressure.
B. Absence of adventitious breath sounds.
C. Weight gain of 1.4 kg (3 lb) in 24 hr.
D. Decreased urine output.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The absence of adventitious breath sounds indicates that furosemide is effective in managing heart failure. Adventitious breath sounds such as crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a common complication of heart failure. Therefore, the absence of these abnormal sounds suggests that furosemide is effectively reducing fluid overload. Elevated blood pressure (choice A) is not a desired outcome in heart failure management. Weight gain (choice C) and decreased urine output (choice D) are signs of fluid retention and ineffective diuresis, indicating that furosemide is not working effectively.

3. What is the priority for a client with dehydration?

A. Administer antiemetics to prevent nausea
B. Monitor electrolyte levels to prevent imbalances
C. Administer oral rehydration solutions
D. Administer intravenous fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority for a client with dehydration is to monitor electrolyte levels to prevent imbalances. Dehydration can lead to electrolyte disturbances, which can have serious consequences. Administering antiemetics (Choice A) may help with nausea but does not address the root cause of dehydration. Administering oral rehydration solutions (Choice C) can be beneficial, but monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in managing dehydration. Administering intravenous fluids (Choice D) is important in severe cases of dehydration, but monitoring electrolytes should come first to assess the extent of the imbalance and guide fluid replacement therapy effectively.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent infection?

A. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels
B. Change the TPN tubing every 24 hours
C. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours
D. Administer insulin as prescribed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Changing the TPN tubing every 24 hours is crucial in preventing infection by reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Monitoring electrolyte levels (choice A) is essential but not directly related to preventing TPN-related infections. Monitoring blood glucose levels (choice C) is important for clients receiving TPN, but it is more related to glycemic control than infection prevention. Administering insulin as prescribed (choice D) is necessary for clients with diabetes but is not directly linked to preventing TPN-related infections.

5. What are the early signs of DVT?

A. Leg pain, swelling, and redness
B. Shortness of breath and high fever
C. Cough and chest pain
D. Decreased oxygen saturation and low blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Leg pain, swelling, and redness are early signs of DVT. DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) is a condition where blood clots form in deep veins, commonly in the legs. These clots can cause symptoms like pain, swelling, and redness in the affected leg. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms more commonly associated with other conditions like pulmonary embolism (shortness of breath and high fever), respiratory issues (cough and chest pain), and cardiovascular problems (decreased oxygen saturation and low blood pressure), respectively. Therefore, they are not indicative of early signs of DVT.