what are the expected ecg findings in hypokalemia

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Medical Surgical Assessment 2 Quizlet

1. What are the expected ECG findings in hypokalemia?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are the classic ECG finding in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia primarily affects the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential, leading to T wave abnormalities. While prominent U waves are typically associated with hypokalemia as well, flattened T waves are the most specific and sensitive ECG abnormality seen in hypokalemia. Elevated ST segments and wide QRS complexes are not typically seen in hypokalemia and are more indicative of other electrolyte imbalances or cardiac conditions.

2. What does continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicate?

A. An air leak
B. Normal chest tube function
C. A blockage in the chest tube
D. A malfunction in the drainage system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber of a chest tube indicates an air leak. This bubbling occurs when air leaks from the patient's pleural space into the chest tube system. It is essential to address this issue promptly to prevent complications like a pneumothorax. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber is not indicative of normal chest tube function, a blockage in the chest tube, or a malfunction in the drainage system.

3. A nurse is planning care for a client who has acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan?

A. Encourage a high-protein diet
B. Increase the client's fluid intake
C. Administer diuretics
D. Weigh the client twice a week

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering diuretics is a crucial intervention for a client with acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis as it helps reduce edema by increasing urine output and managing symptoms of glomerulonephritis. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Choice A) is not recommended in this case because it can put additional stress on the kidneys. Increasing fluid intake (Choice B) may worsen edema in these clients. Weighing the client twice a week (Choice D) is important for monitoring fluid balance but is not as immediate and directly beneficial as administering diuretics.

4. What are the expected ECG changes in hypokalemia?

A. Flattened T waves
B. ST elevation
C. Wide QRS complex
D. Tall T waves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are the most common ECG change seen in patients with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia leads to a decrease in serum potassium levels, affecting the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. This results in T wave flattening or inversion. ST elevation is typically seen in conditions like myocardial infarction, not in hypokalemia. Wide QRS complex is more associated with hyperkalemia than hypokalemia. Tall T waves are often seen in hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.

5. What is the first medication to administer to a patient experiencing wheezing due to an allergic reaction?

A. Albuterol via nebulizer
B. Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV
C. Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer
D. Aminophylline 500 mg IV

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Albuterol via nebulizer. Albuterol is the first-choice medication for wheezing due to its fast-acting bronchodilatory effect, which helps in relieving the symptoms quickly. Choice B, Methylprednisolone 100 mg IV, is a corticosteroid used for its anti-inflammatory effects and would be beneficial in reducing inflammation in allergic reactions but is not the first-line treatment for wheezing. Choice C, Cromolyn 20 mg via nebulizer, is a mast cell stabilizer used to prevent asthma attacks but is not the immediate treatment for wheezing during an allergic reaction. Choice D, Aminophylline 500 mg IV, is a bronchodilator but is not typically the initial medication of choice for wheezing in an allergic reaction.