what are the early signs of hypokalemia on an ecg

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2

1. What are the early signs of hypokalemia on an ECG?

A. Flattened T waves
B. Elevated ST segments
C. Prominent U waves
D. Widened QRS complex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are an early sign of hypokalemia on an ECG. In hypokalemia, the T waves may flatten and eventually invert. Elevated ST segments are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Prominent U waves are seen in conditions like hypokalemia, but they are not considered an early sign. A widened QRS complex is more commonly associated with hyperkalemia rather than hypokalemia.

2. What should be the priority action when a patient is admitted with chest pain from acute coronary syndrome?

A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Obtain IV access
C. Check cardiac enzymes
D. Administer aspirin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. This is the priority action in treating chest pain associated with acute coronary syndrome as it helps to dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow to the heart, and reduce cardiac tissue damage. Administering nitroglycerin is crucial in managing the symptoms and potential complications of acute coronary syndrome. Obtaining IV access (Choice B) is important for administering medications and fluids but does not address the immediate symptom of chest pain. Checking cardiac enzymes (Choice C) and administering aspirin (Choice D) are essential steps in the management of acute coronary syndrome, but they should follow the administration of nitroglycerin to address the immediate symptom and improve blood flow to the heart.

3. How does hyponatremia place the patient at risk?

A. Seizures
B. Fatigue
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
D. Muscle weakness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hyponatremia places the patient at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias. While hyponatremia can lead to seizures due to cerebral edema caused by fluid imbalance, the most immediate and life-threatening risk is cardiac dysrhythmias. Low sodium levels can disrupt the heart's electrical activity, potentially leading to fatal arrhythmias. Although fatigue and muscle weakness are symptoms of hyponatremia, cardiac dysrhythmias pose the most critical concern as they can have severe consequences.

4. What is an escharotomy and why is it performed?

A. A surgical incision made to improve circulation in burn injuries
B. A procedure to remove dead tissue from a wound
C. A procedure to remove excess fluid from the lungs
D. A procedure to relieve pain from burns

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An escharotomy is a surgical procedure involving an incision through the eschar (dead tissue) to relieve pressure in burn injuries. It is performed to improve circulation to the affected area, prevent further damage, and restore blood flow. Choice B is incorrect because an escharotomy is not primarily focused on removing dead tissue but rather on relieving pressure. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a procedure related to pulmonary issues, not burn injuries. Choice D is incorrect because while pain relief may be a result of an escharotomy, it is not the primary purpose of the procedure.

5. What is the expected finding in a patient with compartment syndrome?

A. Unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness
B. Localized swelling and redness
C. Numbness and tingling
D. Fever and infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with compartment syndrome, the expected finding includes unrelieved pain, pallor, and pulselessness. These are classic signs of compartment syndrome and indicate compromised blood flow and tissue perfusion, necessitating urgent intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because localized swelling and redness, numbness and tingling, as well as fever and infection, are not typical findings associated with compartment syndrome.