how should a nurse respond to a patient with hypokalemia
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Nursing Elites

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

1. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient with hypokalemia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypokalemia is managed by administering potassium supplements to correct the low potassium levels in the body. Monitoring the ECG is essential because low potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect as restricting fluid intake and providing a high-sodium diet are not appropriate for managing hypokalemia. Choice C is incorrect because hypokalemia involves low potassium levels, not sodium levels, and insulin therapy does not directly address this issue. Choice D is incorrect as calcium supplements are not indicated for hypokalemia, and monitoring for hyperkalemia is not relevant in this case.

2. A nurse is teaching a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD) about exercise recommendations. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to 'Stop exercising if pain occurs.' In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it is crucial to avoid exercising to the point of pain as this may worsen the condition and lead to complications. Exercising to the point of pain can result in inadequate blood flow to the extremities, causing further damage. By stopping exercise if pain occurs, the client can prevent exacerbating their condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because exercising to the point of pain, limiting exercise to once per week, and avoiding walking altogether are not recommended strategies for managing PAD and could potentially harm the client.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative and is unable to ambulate. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client's venous return?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Apply a sequential compression device. Applying a sequential compression device promotes venous return by assisting with blood circulation in the lower extremities, reducing the risk of blood clots. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can help with lung expansion but does not directly promote venous return. Maintaining the client in a supine position may not be ideal for promoting venous return if the client is unable to move. Massaging the client's legs may be contraindicated postoperatively due to the risk of dislodging a clot or causing trauma to the surgical site.

4. Which lifestyle change should be emphasized for a client with hypertension?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Reduce sodium and caffeine intake.' Clients with hypertension benefit from reducing sodium intake as it can help lower blood pressure levels. Caffeine also has a vasoconstrictive effect, which can increase blood pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing sodium intake would exacerbate hypertension due to fluid retention. While protein intake is important for overall health, it is not a primary focus in managing hypertension. Increasing intake of high-fat foods can lead to weight gain and negatively impact heart health, which is counterproductive for someone with hypertension.

5. A nurse is collecting data from a male client who is scheduled for a left inguinal herniorrhaphy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Difficulty urinating.' This finding is crucial to report promptly as it can indicate a complication, such as urinary retention or injury to the urinary tract, which are significant concerns post-hernia surgery. High blood pressure (Choice A) may require monitoring but is not as urgent as difficulty urinating. Decreased bowel sounds (Choice B) and constipation (Choice C) are common after surgery and may resolve with appropriate interventions but are not as critical as addressing difficulty urinating.

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