how should a nurse respond to a patient with hypokalemia

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020

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

A. Administer potassium supplements and monitor ECG
B. Restrict fluid intake and provide a high-sodium diet
C. Monitor sodium levels and provide insulin therapy
D. Provide calcium supplements and monitor for hyperkalemia

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 client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the first step?

A. Administer the blood through an IV push
B. Verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product
C. Ensure the client has eaten before the transfusion
D. Administer a diuretic before starting the transfusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step before administering a blood transfusion is to verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product. This step is crucial to prevent transfusion reactions due to incompatibility. Choice A is incorrect because blood should not be administered through an IV push for a blood transfusion. Choice C is incorrect because it is not necessary for the client to eat before a blood transfusion. Choice D is incorrect because administering a diuretic is not a standard practice before starting a blood transfusion.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent infection?

A. Monitor the client's electrolyte levels
B. Change the TPN tubing every 24 hours
C. Monitor blood glucose levels every 4 hours
D. Administer insulin as prescribed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Changing the TPN tubing every 24 hours is crucial in preventing infection by reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. Monitoring electrolyte levels (choice A) is essential but not directly related to preventing TPN-related infections. Monitoring blood glucose levels (choice C) is important for clients receiving TPN, but it is more related to glycemic control than infection prevention. Administering insulin as prescribed (choice D) is necessary for clients with diabetes but is not directly linked to preventing TPN-related infections.

5. A nurse is caring for a 37-year-old woman with metastatic ovarian cancer admitted for nausea and vomiting. The physician orders total parenteral nutrition (TPN), a nutritional consult, and diet recall. Which of the following is the BEST indication that the patient's nutritional status has improved after 4 days?

A. The patient eats most of the food served to her
B. The patient has gained 1 pound since admission
C. The patient's albumin level is 4.0mg/dL
D. The patient's hemoglobin is 8.5g/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An improved albumin level is the best indicator of improved nutritional status after TPN. Albumin is a key protein that reflects the body's overall nutritional status and is commonly used to assess nutritional health. Choices A, B, and D are not as reliable indicators of improved nutritional status. Choice A may not accurately reflect nutritional improvement as it could be influenced by factors other than nutrition. Choice B may indicate fluid retention or loss rather than true nutritional improvement. Choice D, hemoglobin level, is more related to anemia and oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, rather than nutritional status.