A nurse is preparing a patient for a procedure. Prior to the procedure, in which a neuromuscular blocking agent is to be used, the nurse evaluates the patient's electrolytes. Which abnormality would provoke the most concern for the nurse?
a. Hyponatremia
b. Hypercalcemia
c. Hypomagnesemia
d. Hypokalemia
D
Low potassium levels can enhance paralysis, whereas high potassium levels can reduce paralysis. Because electrolyte status can influence the depth of neuromuscular blockade, it is important to maintain normal electrolyte balance.
There are no indications that sodium, calcium, and/or magnesium have similar effects of potas-sium in relation to neuromuscular blocking agents.
You might also like to view...
A postoperative patient rapidly presents with hypotension; rapid, thready pulse; oliguria; and cold, pale skin. The nurse suspects that the patient is experiencing a hemorrhage. What should be the nurse's first action?
A) Leave and promptly notify the physician. B) Quickly attempt to determine the cause of hemorrhage. C) Begin resuscitation. D) Put the patient in the Trendelenberg position.
A patient taking phenytoin begins to exhibit nystagmus and diplopia. The nurse would need to assess the patient for:
a. other signs of phenytoin toxicity. b. signs of an impending seizure. c. cardiac dysrhythmias. d. hirsutism.
The nurse assesses the patient on Adriamycin very carefully when the patient complains of:
1. nausea. 2. visual disturbances. 3. headache and dizziness. 4. rapid heart beat.
A client in the intensive care unit becomes very cognizant of the nurse's touch. This is a function of which system?
A) General adaptation syndrome B) Local adaptation syndrome C) Reticular activating system D) Peripheral nervous system