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. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with a suspected stroke?

A. Monitor for changes in neurological status and administer thrombolytics
B. Monitor for speech difficulties and administer oxygen
C. Provide IV fluids and monitor blood pressure
D. Administer pain relief and monitor for respiratory failure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When managing a patient with a suspected stroke, it is crucial to monitor for changes in neurological status as this can provide important information about the patient's condition. Administering thrombolytics, if indicated, is a critical intervention in the acute phase of an ischemic stroke to help dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the brain. This choice is the correct answer because it addresses the immediate management needs of a patient with a suspected stroke. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while monitoring for speech difficulties, administering oxygen, providing IV fluids, monitoring blood pressure, administering pain relief, and monitoring for respiratory failure are important aspects of patient care, they are not the primary interventions for managing a suspected stroke.

3. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has schizophrenia and is taking clozapine. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a contraindication to the administration of clozapine?

A. WBC count 2,900 /mm3.
B. Fasting blood glucose 100 mg/dl.
C. Hgb 14 g/dl.
D. Heart rate 58/min.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A WBC count of 2,900/mm3 indicates leukopenia, which is a serious side effect of clozapine and contraindicates its use. Leukopenia is a significant concern with clozapine therapy due to the risk of agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Monitoring the WBC count is crucial to detect this adverse effect early. The other options (B, C, and D) are within normal ranges and not contraindications for administering clozapine.

4. A client needs a 24-hour urine collection initiated. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the procedure?

A. I had a bowel movement, but I was able to save the urine.
B. I have a specimen in the bathroom from about 30 minutes ago.
C. I flushed what I urinated at 7 am and have saved the rest since.
D. I drink a lot, so I will fill up the bottle and complete the test quickly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is correct because it demonstrates the client's understanding of the procedure, which involves discarding the first urine of the day at the specified time and then saving all subsequent urine for the next 24 hours. Choices A, B, and D do not reflect an understanding of the correct procedure. Choice A is incorrect because bowel movements are not part of a 24-hour urine collection. Choice B is incorrect as it does not specify discarding the first urine. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions filling up the bottle quickly, which is not the correct way to collect a 24-hour urine sample.

5. What are the nursing considerations when administering blood products?

A. Monitor vital signs and check for allergic reactions
B. Verify blood type and compatibility before transfusion
C. Monitor for signs of infection and sepsis
D. Ensure consent is signed and prepare for possible reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor vital signs and check for allergic reactions. When administering blood products, monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature is crucial to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Checking for allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing, is essential to ensure patient safety. Choice B is incorrect because verifying blood type and compatibility is typically done by the laboratory before the blood is issued for transfusion. Choice C is not a direct nursing consideration during the administration of blood products. While monitoring for signs of infection and sepsis is important in general patient care, it is not specific to blood transfusions. Choice D is also incorrect as ensuring consent is signed and preparing for possible reactions are important but do not directly relate to the immediate nursing considerations during blood product administration.