what ecg changes are expected in a patient with hypokalemia
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Capstone Adult Medical Surgical Assessment 2

1. What ECG changes are expected in a patient with hypokalemia?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Flattened T waves are an early indicator of hypokalemia on an ECG. Hypokalemia primarily presents with flattened T waves, not prominent U waves, widened QRS complexes, or tall T waves. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia only in severe cases. Widened QRS complexes are more indicative of hyperkalemia, while tall T waves are seen in hyperkalemia as well.

2. What is the priority intervention for a patient with possible acute coronary syndrome?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is the priority intervention for a patient with possible acute coronary syndrome as it helps dilate blood vessels, reduce chest pain, and improve blood flow to the heart. This intervention is crucial in managing acute coronary syndrome and should be given promptly. Getting IV access may be necessary, but administering nitroglycerin takes precedence to alleviate symptoms and prevent further heart damage. Auscultating heart sounds and administering aspirin are important aspects of the assessment and treatment plan, but they are not the priority interventions in the acute phase of suspected acute coronary syndrome.

3. After a healthcare provider misreads a glucose level and administers insulin, what is the priority intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for hypoglycemia. Administering insulin based on a misread glucose level can lead to hypoglycemia. Monitoring for hypoglycemia is crucial as it is a potential adverse effect of the insulin administration. Administering glucose IV (Choice B) is not the priority as there is no indication of hypoglycemia yet. Documenting the incident (Choice C) is important but not the immediate priority over patient safety. Monitoring for hyperglycemia (Choice D) is not the priority after administering insulin in response to a misread glucose level.

4. What should the nurse do when a patient experiences abdominal cramping during enema administration?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient experiences abdominal cramping during enema administration, the nurse should lower the height of the enema solution container. Lowering the height helps relieve cramping by slowing down the flow of the enema, reducing discomfort for the patient. Choice B, stopping the procedure and removing the tubing, is incorrect as it does not directly address the cramping issue. Choice C, continuing the enema at a slower rate, could potentially worsen the cramping by prolonging the discomfort. Choice D, increasing the flow of the enema solution, is also incorrect as it may intensify the cramping and cause more discomfort to the patient.

5. A patient with GERD is being taught by a nurse. What should the patient avoid?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with GERD should avoid mint and spicy foods as they can trigger reflux. Choice B ('Increase water intake during meals') is not recommended for GERD patients as it can worsen symptoms by distending the stomach. Choice C ('Eat frequent small meals') is beneficial for GERD patients to prevent excessive stomach distension. Choice D ('Consume more spicy foods') is incorrect as spicy foods can exacerbate GERD symptoms.

Similar Questions

What are the expected signs of compartment syndrome?
A nurse at a provider's office is interviewing a client who has multiple sclerosis and has been taking dantrolene for several months. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?
What lab value should be monitored in a patient with HIV?
What should be monitored for in a patient with compartment syndrome?
What is the priority action when a healthcare professional misreads a glucose reading and administers excess insulin?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses