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. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

3. What are the early signs and symptoms of sepsis?

A. Increased heart rate and fever
B. Low blood pressure and confusion
C. Rapid breathing and sweating
D. Abdominal pain and cyanosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased heart rate and fever. In sepsis, an increased heart rate and fever are common early signs of systemic infection. While choices B, C, and D can be present in later stages of sepsis, they are not typically the initial signs. Low blood pressure and confusion may occur in severe sepsis or septic shock. Rapid breathing and sweating can be seen as sepsis progresses. Abdominal pain and cyanosis may develop as the condition advances but are not usually the earliest signs.

4. During an initial assessment of a client, a nurse notices a discrepancy between the client's current IV infusion and the information received during the shift report. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Complete an incident report and place it in the client's medical record.
B. Compare the current infusion with the prescription in the client's medication record.
C. Contact the charge nurse to see if the prescription was changed.
D. Submit a written warning for the nurse involved in the incident.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when noticing a discrepancy between the client's current IV infusion and the information received during the shift report is to compare the current infusion with the prescription in the client's medication record. This step is crucial to ensure the accuracy of the prescribed treatment and to prevent any potential harm to the client. Option A is incorrect because completing an incident report should only be done after verifying the discrepancy. Option C is incorrect as contacting the charge nurse should come after confirming the details. Option D is incorrect as submitting a written warning is not appropriate without verifying the information first.

5. Which of the following situations can be identified as an ethical dilemma?

A. A nurse demonstrates signs of chemical impairment
B. A family has conflicting feelings about tube feeding for their terminally ill father
C. A nurse overhears a colleague threatening to restrain a patient if they do not stay in bed
D. A client with terminal cancer hesitates to name their spouse as power of attorney

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Ethical dilemmas involve conflicting values or feelings. In this situation, the family is conflicted about tube feeding for their terminally ill father, which presents a moral and ethical challenge. Choices A, C, and D do not represent ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves a nurse's impairment, which is a different issue. Choice C involves a nurse's observation of a colleague's threat, which is a patient safety concern. Choice D involves a client's hesitation in naming a spouse as power of attorney, which is a legal and decision-making issue, not necessarily an ethical dilemma.