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. What are the key signs of infection after surgery?

A. Redness
B. Swelling
C. Fever
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After surgery, key signs of infection include redness, swelling, and fever. Redness and swelling can indicate inflammation at the surgical site, while fever is a systemic response to infection. Choosing 'All of the above' (Option D) is the correct answer because all three signs are commonly associated with post-surgical infections. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as each of them individually can be a sign of infection, but considering all three together provides a more comprehensive assessment for post-operative infection.

3. What are the risk factors for stroke, and how can it be prevented?

A. High cholesterol and hypertension; prevent with regular exercise
B. Obesity and smoking; prevent with medication and weight loss
C. Diabetes and alcohol consumption; prevent with regular checkups
D. Lack of exercise and poor diet; prevent with lifestyle changes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. High cholesterol and hypertension are significant risk factors for stroke. Regular exercise is an effective way to prevent stroke by managing these risk factors. Choice B is incorrect as while obesity and smoking are risk factors, preventing stroke through medication and weight loss is not the primary method. Choice C is incorrect as diabetes and alcohol consumption are risk factors, but preventing stroke through regular checkups is not as direct as managing cholesterol and hypertension. Choice D is incorrect as lack of exercise and a poor diet are indeed risk factors, but the prevention of stroke through lifestyle changes needs to specifically address high cholesterol and hypertension.

4. A nurse is teaching a client who is taking warfarin about food and medication interactions. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

A. Tomatoes
B. Apples
C. Broccoli
D. Green leafy vegetables

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct Answer: Green leafy vegetables - Green leafy vegetables are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. Tomatoes, apples, and broccoli are not contraindicated with warfarin therapy. While they are healthy choices, they do not have a significant impact on warfarin's effectiveness.

5. A client with IV fluids has developed redness and warmth at the IV site. What is the next step the nurse should take?

A. Apply a cold compress to the IV site
B. Discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider
C. Monitor the IV site for signs of infection
D. Increase the IV flow rate to improve circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops redness and warmth at the IV site, it is indicative of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein. The next step for the nurse should be to discontinue the IV and notify the healthcare provider. Applying a cold compress may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Monitoring for infection is important, but in this case, the presence of redness and warmth suggests phlebitis, not infection. Increasing the IV flow rate can exacerbate the inflammation and should be avoided.