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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is collecting data on a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hyperkalemia?
A. Wheezing
Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia affects the muscular function and cardiac conduction rather than causing respiratory symptoms.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Decreased deep tendon reflexes occur due to the effect of hyperkalemia on the neuromuscular junction and muscle excitability. In hyperkalemia, the resting membrane potential of muscle cells is less negative, which makes them less responsive to stimuli.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with gastrointestinal issues and are not a direct manifestation of hyperkalemia. While severe hyperkalemia can affect smooth muscle function, it is not typically characterized by changes in bowel sounds.
D. Cerebral edema
Cerebral edema is not a manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is usually caused by traumatic brain injury, infections, or other neurological conditions. Hyperkalemia primarily affects muscular function and cardiac conduction.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - NS117 T Winter 2023 Monroe college NY PN Fundamental of nursing proctored exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
The correct answer is B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes. Hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness and decreased reflexes, which is a common manifestation in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Choice A reason:
Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia affects the muscular function and cardiac conduction rather than causing respiratory symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Decreased deep tendon reflexes occur due to the effect of hyperkalemia on the neuromuscular junction and muscle excitability. In hyperkalemia, the resting membrane potential of muscle cells is less negative, which makes them less responsive to stimuli.
Choice C reason:
Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with gastrointestinal issues and are not a direct manifestation of hyperkalemia. While severe hyperkalemia can affect smooth muscle function, it is not typically characterized by changes in bowel sounds.
Choice D reason:
Cerebral edema is not a manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is usually caused by traumatic brain injury, infections, or other neurological conditions. Hyperkalemia primarily affects muscular function and cardiac conduction.
Normal serum potassium levels range from about 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L. Hyperkalemia is defined as serum potassium levels above 5.0 mmol/L.
Similar Questions
A nurse is collecting data on a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following findings is a manifestation of hyperkalemia?
A. Wheezing
Reason: Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergic reactions. It is not a common manifestation of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the muscular and cardiovascular systems rather than the respiratory system.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Reason: Hyperkalemia can cause neuromuscular symptoms, including muscle weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes. High potassium levels interfere with the normal function of muscle cells and nerves, leading to these symptoms. This is a direct result of the altered action potentials in neurons caused by elevated potassium levels.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
Reason: Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with conditions that cause decreased gastrointestinal motility, such as ileus or bowel obstruction. While hyperkalemia can affect muscle function, it is more likely to cause hyperactive bowel sounds due to increased gastrointestinal motility rather than hypoactive sounds.
D. Cerebral edema
Reason: Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain and is not a typical manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or severe infections. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the heart and muscles.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is b. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Choice A: Wheezing
Reason: Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergic reactions. It is not a common manifestation of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the muscular and cardiovascular systems rather than the respiratory system.
Choice B: Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Reason: Hyperkalemia can cause neuromuscular symptoms, including muscle weakness and decreased deep tendon reflexes. High potassium levels interfere with the normal function of muscle cells and nerves, leading to these symptoms. This is a direct result of the altered action potentials in neurons caused by elevated potassium levels.
Choice C: Hypoactive bowel sounds
Reason: Hypoactive bowel sounds are generally associated with conditions that cause decreased gastrointestinal motility, such as ileus or bowel obstruction. While hyperkalemia can affect muscle function, it is more likely to cause hyperactive bowel sounds due to increased gastrointestinal motility rather than hypoactive sounds.
Choice D: Cerebral edema
Reason: Cerebral edema is swelling of the brain and is not a typical manifestation of hyperkalemia. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, or severe infections. Hyperkalemia primarily affects the heart and muscles.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about foods and beverages that can cause diarrhea. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Caffeinated beverages
Caffeinated beverages can cause diarrhea by stimulating the intestinal motility and increasing the fluid loss. They can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines.
B. Low-fiber cereal
Low-fiber cereal is not likely to cause diarrhea. Fiber helps to bulk up the stool and regulate the bowel movements. Low-fiber foods are often recommended for clients with diarrhea to reduce intestinal activity.
C. White rice
White rice is not likely to cause diarrhea. It is a bland and starchy food that can help to bind the stool and reduce fluid loss. White rice is often part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) that is suggested for clients with diarrhea.
D. Ripe bananas
Ripe bananas are not likely to cause diarrhea. They are rich in potassium, which can help to replenish the electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help to firm up the stool.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Caffeinated beverages can cause diarrhea by stimulating the intestinal motility and increasing the fluid loss. They can also irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines.
Choice B reason: Low-fiber cereal is not likely to cause diarrhea. Fiber helps to bulk up the stool and regulate the bowel movements. Low-fiber foods are often recommended for clients with diarrhea to reduce intestinal activity.
Choice C reason: White rice is not likely to cause diarrhea. It is a bland and starchy food that can help to bind the stool and reduce fluid loss. White rice is often part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) that is suggested for clients with diarrhea.
Choice D reason: Ripe bananas are not likely to cause diarrhea. They are rich in potassium, which can help to replenish the electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. They also contain pectin, a soluble fiber that can help to firm up the stool.
A nurse is collecting data on a client who has mitral valve stenosis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Heart murmur
A heart murmur is a common finding in clients who have mitral valve stenosis. It is a sound produced by turbulent blood flow through the narrowed valve. The murmur is usually heard as a low-pitched rumbling sound during diastole.
B. Bradycardia
Bradycardia is not a typical finding in clients who have mitral valve stenosis. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. Mitral valve stenosis can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to increased cardiac workload and reduced cardiac output.
C. Clubbing of the fingers
Clubbing of the fingers is not a sign of mitral valve stenosis. Clubbing is a deformity of the fingertips and nails that occurs due to chronic hypoxia. Mitral valve stenosis can cause pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary edema, which can impair gas exchange, but not to the extent of causing clubbing.
D. Barrel chest
Barrel chest is not a sign of mitral valve stenosis. Barrel chest is a condition where the chest is enlarged and rounded due to chronic lung disease. Mitral valve stenosis can affect the lungs by increasing the pressure in the pulmonary circulation, but it does not cause structural changes in the chest wall.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A heart murmur is a common finding in clients who have mitral valve stenosis. It is a sound produced by turbulent blood flow through the narrowed valve. The murmur is usually heard as a low-pitched rumbling sound during diastole.
Choice B reason: Bradycardia is not a typical finding in clients who have mitral valve stenosis. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually below 60 beats per minute. Mitral valve stenosis can cause tachycardia, which is a fast heart rate, due to increased cardiac workload and reduced cardiac output.
Choice C reason: Clubbing of the fingers is not a sign of mitral valve stenosis. Clubbing is a deformity of the fingertips and nails that occurs due to chronic hypoxia. Mitral valve stenosis can cause pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary edema, which can impair gas exchange, but not to the extent of causing clubbing.
Choice D reason: Barrel chest is not a sign of mitral valve stenosis. Barrel chest is a condition where the chest is enlarged and rounded due to chronic lung disease. Mitral valve stenosis can affect the lungs by increasing the pressure in the pulmonary circulation, but it does not cause structural changes in the chest wall.