Which of the following assessments should be prioritized in the care of a client who is being treated for a serum potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L?
A) Detailed fluid balance monitoring checking for pitting edema
B) Arterial blood gases looking for respiratory alkalosis
C) Cardiac monitoring looking for prolonged PR interval and flattening of the T wave
D) Monitoring of hemoglobin levels and oxygen saturation
Ans: C
Feedback:
The most serious effects of hypokalemia are on the heart, a fact that necessitates frequent electrocardiography or cardiac telemetry. Hypokalemia produces a decrease in the resting membrane potential, causing prolongation of the PR interval. It also prolongs the rate of ventricular repolarization, causing depression of the ST segment, flattening of the T wave, and appearance of a prominent U wave. This supersedes the importance of fluid balance monitoring, arterial blood gases, oxygen saturation, or hemoglobin levels.
You might also like to view...
Focusing a lesson on only one standard and performance indicator is perfectly acceptable.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
Herbology belongs to which category of CAM therapies??
A) ?manipulative methods B) ?mind-body medicine C) ?alternative medicine D) ?energy therapies E) ?biologically-based therapies
If a patient is diagnosed with an infection due to bacteria, which of the following meds would most likely be prescribed?
A. aseptic B. indigestible C. antibiotic D. antiviral
All of the arm curl exercises develop the biceps brachii, the brachialis, and the brachioradialis muscles
Indicate whether the statement is true or false