Hyper/Hypokalemia

Which of the following would be appropriate nursing interventions for a client with hypokalemia? Select all that apply. a) Monitor intake and output every shift. b) Administer the ordered potassium 40 mg IV push. c) Administer the ordered Kayexalate enema. d) Administer the ordered Furosemide (lasix) 60 mg po. e) Offer a diet with fruit juices and citrus fruits

A,E

The nurse caring for a patient post colon resection is assessing the patient on the second postoperative day. The nasogastric tube (NG) remains patent and continues at low intermittent wall suction. The IV is patent and infusing at 125 mL/hr. The patient reports pain at the incision site rated at a 3 on a 0-to-10 rating scale. During your initial shift assessment, the patient complains of cramps in her legs and a tingling sensation in her feet. Your assessment indicates decreased deep tendon reflexes (DTRs) and you suspect the patient has hypokalemia. What other sign or symptom would you expect this patient to exhibit? a) Dilute urine b) Joint pain c) Diarrhea d) Increased muscle tone

A

During his annual physical exam, your 72-year-old male client complains of muscle cramps in his calves and that he feels "tired a lot." He is taking ethacrynic acid (Edecrin) for his hypotension. Your client will be evaluated for which of the following electrolyte imbalance based on his symptoms? a) Hypokalemia b) Hyperkalemia c) Hypercalcemia d) Hypocalcemia

A. Hypokalemia

A patient is being treated with loop diuretics; gastric suctioning has been initiated. The nurse understands the patient is at risk for developing which of the following electrolyte imbalances? a) Hypomagnesium b) Hypokalemia c) Hyponatremia d) Hypocalcemia

B

In assessing a client diagnosed with primary aldosteronism, the nurse expects the laboratory test results to indicate a decreased serum level of which substance? A. Sodium B. Phosphate C. Potassium D. Glucose

C Rationale: Clients with primary aldosteronism exhibit a profound decline in serum levels of potassium (C); hypokalemia; hypertension is the most prominent and universal sign. The serum sodium level is normal or elevated, depending on the amount of water resorbed with the sodium (A). (B) is influenced by parathyroid hormone (PTH). (D) is not affected by primary aldosteronism.

A nurse is caring for a client in acute renal failure. The nurse should expect hypertonic glucose, insulin infusions, and sodium bicarbonate to be used to treat: a) hypernatremia. b) hypokalemia. c) hypercalcemia. d) hyperkalemia.

D

The nurse assesses a client who has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix) for cardiac disease. Which electrocardiographic change would be a concern for a client taking a diuretic? A. Tall, spiked T waves B. A prolonged QT interval C. A widening QRS complex D. Presence of a U wave

D Rationale: A U wave (D) is a positive deflection following the T wave and is often present with hypokalemia (low potassium level). (A, B, and C) are all signs of hyperkalemia.

Hypokalemia can cause which of the following symptoms to occur? a) Increased release of insulin b) Decreased sensitivity to digitalis c) Excessive thirst d) Production of concentrated urine

Excessive thirst

Which of the following electrolyte imbalances occur with adrenal insufficiency? a) Hypokalemia b) Hyponatremia c) Hypernatremia d) Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia