what are the key signs of hyperkalemia and how should it be treated

ATI LPN

ATI NCLEX PN Predictor Test

1. What are the key signs of hyperkalemia and how should it be treated?

A. Elevated potassium levels, muscle weakness; administer calcium gluconate
B. Decreased potassium levels, confusion; administer potassium chloride
C. Elevated sodium levels, bradycardia; administer sodium bicarbonate
D. Low sodium levels, muscle cramps; administer sodium chloride

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hyperkalemia include elevated potassium levels and muscle weakness. The treatment involves administering calcium gluconate to help stabilize the heart. Choice B is incorrect as hyperkalemia is characterized by elevated, not decreased, potassium levels. Choice C is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not involve elevated sodium levels, and the treatment is not sodium bicarbonate. Choice D is incorrect as hyperkalemia does not lead to low sodium levels, and sodium chloride is not the treatment for hyperkalemia.

2. When caring for the client diagnosed with delirium, which condition is the most important for the nurse to investigate?

A. Cancer of any type
B. Impaired hearing
C. Prescription drug intoxication
D. Heart failure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client diagnosed with delirium, the most important condition for the nurse to investigate is prescription drug intoxication. Delirium in older adults is commonly caused by medication side effects or interactions. Investigating prescription drug intoxication is crucial as it can be a reversible cause of delirium. While cancer, impaired hearing, and heart failure are important considerations in overall care, prescription drug intoxication takes precedence in cases of delirium.

3. What are the primary differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in terms of pathophysiology and treatment?

A. Type 1: No insulin production; Type 2: Insulin resistance
B. Type 1: Insulin resistance; Type 2: Insulin deficiency
C. Type 1: Autoimmune; Type 2: Lifestyle-related
D. Type 1: Insulin therapy; Type 2: Diet modification

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the absence of insulin production, while Type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance. Choice B is incorrect because Type 1 diabetes is not related to insulin resistance. Choice C is inaccurate as Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune while Type 2 diabetes is more associated with lifestyle factors. Choice D is not correct since insulin therapy is primarily used in Type 1 diabetes, whereas diet modification is a common approach in managing Type 2 diabetes.

4. What are the signs of an acute myocardial infarction?

A. Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath
B. Nausea, vomiting, and high fever
C. Headache, confusion, and low blood pressure
D. Increased heart rate and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath. These are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction. Choice B is incorrect because nausea, vomiting, and high fever are not typical signs of a heart attack. Choice C is incorrect as headache, confusion, and low blood pressure are not specific to myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because an acute myocardial infarction typically presents with an increased heart rate, not bradycardia.

5. A nurse is caring for a client following an acute myocardial infarction. The client is concerned that providing self-care will be difficult due to extreme fatigue. Which of the following strategies should the nurse implement to promote the client's independence?

A. Request an occupational therapy consult to determine the need for assistive devices
B. Assign assistive personnel to perform self-care tasks for the client
C. Instruct the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks
D. Ask the client if a family member is available to assist with his care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks is the most appropriate strategy to promote independence following an acute myocardial infarction. This approach allows the client to regain confidence and control over their self-care activities without feeling overwhelmed. Requesting an occupational therapy consult (Choice A) may be beneficial but is not the immediate solution to promote independence. Assigning assistive personnel (Choice B) to perform tasks for the client does not encourage independence. Asking if a family member is available for assistance (Choice D) does not directly promote the client's independence.