hyperkalemia is associated with what changes on an ecg

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2

1. What ECG changes are associated with hyperkalemia?

A. Flattened T waves
B. ST depression
C. Prominent U waves
D. Elevated ST segments

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperkalemia is known to cause ST depression on an ECG. Flattened T waves are more commonly seen in hypokalemia. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia rather than hyperkalemia. Elevated ST segments are not typical findings in hyperkalemia.

2. 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.

3. A nurse misreads a glucose level and administers insulin for a blood glucose of 210 mg/dL instead of 120 mg/dL. What is the priority intervention?

A. Monitor for hypoglycemia
B. Monitor for hyperkalemia
C. Administer glucose IV
D. Document the incident

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for hypoglycemia. In this scenario, the nurse administered insulin based on a misread glucose level, which could lead to hypoglycemia due to excessive insulin action lowering blood glucose levels. Monitoring for hypoglycemia allows for prompt recognition and intervention if blood glucose levels drop significantly. Choice B, monitoring for hyperkalemia, is incorrect as administering insulin would not cause hyperkalemia. Choice C, administering glucose IV, is not appropriate at this time since the patient's blood glucose level is already elevated. Choice D, documenting the incident, is important but not the priority at this moment when patient safety is at risk due to potential hypoglycemia.

4. When providing discharge teaching to a patient who underwent cataract surgery, what should the patient avoid?

A. Avoid NSAIDs
B. Avoid bright lights
C. Avoid alcohol
D. Avoid phosphorus-rich foods

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase the risk of bleeding after cataract surgery due to their anticoagulant properties. Bright lights (choice B) are not contraindicated post-cataract surgery unless the patient experiences discomfort or sensitivity. Alcohol consumption (choice C) is generally not restricted after cataract surgery, but moderation is recommended. Phosphorus-rich foods (choice D) are not directly related to cataract surgery postoperative care.

5. 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.