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. The physician orders risperidone (Risperdal) for a client with Alzheimer's disease. The nurse anticipates administering this medication to help decrease which of the following behaviors?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Agitation and assaultiveness. Risperidone is commonly prescribed for clients with Alzheimer's disease to reduce symptoms of agitation and aggressive behavior. This medication helps in managing challenging behaviors often seen in individuals with Alzheimer's. Choice A, sleep disturbances, is incorrect as risperidone is not primarily indicated for treating sleep issues in Alzheimer's patients. Choice B, concomitant depression, is also incorrect as risperidone is not the first-line treatment for depression in Alzheimer's disease. Choice D, confusion and withdrawal, is incorrect as risperidone does not directly target these symptoms in Alzheimer's patients.

3. A client is to start taking furosemide and is being taught about dietary modifications by a nurse. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend to the client?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bananas. Bananas are high in potassium, which helps counter the potassium-depleting effects of furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, so including potassium-rich foods like bananas in the diet can help maintain a healthy potassium level. Choices A, C, and D do not specifically address the potassium needs associated with furosemide therapy and are not the most appropriate recommendations in this context.

4. A client with an NG tube is experiencing nausea and a decrease in gastric secretions. What should the nurse do first?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for a client with an NG tube experiencing nausea and decreased gastric secretions is to irrigate the NG tube with sterile water. This can help clear any blockages in the tube, which may be causing the symptoms. Positioning the client on their left side may be helpful for enteral feedings but is not the priority in this situation. Replacing the NG tube should not be the initial step unless irrigation fails to resolve the issue. Increasing the suction setting without attempting to clear the blockage can be harmful to the client.

5. A nurse in a provider's office is collecting data from a preschooler. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A heart rate of 146/min is abnormal for a preschooler and indicates tachycardia, which should be reported to the provider. Choices A, B, and C fall within normal ranges for a preschooler's heart rate (80-120/min) and respiratory rate (22-34/min), so they do not require immediate reporting. Option D is the correct answer as it deviates significantly from the normal range and may indicate an underlying health issue that needs attention.

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