An elderly patient has been having copious vomiting for several days and has become lethargic and weak. His mucous membranes are dry. He has poor skin turgor. Lab work shows: sodium of 145, ABGs: pH 7.58, PCO2 38, HCO3 38, PO2 95, SO2 98. Which response best explains the patient’s lethargy and weakness?
The hypokalemia brought on severe muscle spasms, causing exhaustion.
Due to his low potassium, his cells rely on glycolysis.
Due to the hypokalemia, his cells are hyperpolarized.
The hypernatremia caused cellular dehydration, leading to lethargy.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness and cramps, but it does not typically lead to severe muscle spasms causing exhaustion. The patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely related to electrolyte imbalances and dehydration rather than muscle spasms.
Choice B rationale
While low potassium levels can affect cellular metabolism, the primary issue here is not glycolysis. The patient’s symptoms are more consistent with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than a metabolic shift to glycolysis.
Choice C rationale
Hypokalemia can cause cells to become hyperpolarized, leading to muscle weakness and decreased reflexes. However, the patient’s symptoms of lethargy and weakness are more likely due to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances rather than cellular hyperpolarization.
Choice D rationale
Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels, can cause cellular dehydration, leading to symptoms such as lethargy and weakness. The patient’s lab results and clinical presentation are consistent with hypernatremia-induced cellular dehydration, which explains his symptoms.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) and peripheral edema are common clinical manifestations of right heart failure (RHF). RHF leads to congestion of systemic circulation, causing fluid accumulation in the liver and peripheral tissues.
Choice B rationale
Crackles in the lungs are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure, where fluid backs up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to pulmonary edema.
Choice C rationale
A dry hacking cough is not a typical symptom of right heart failure. It is more commonly associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
Choice D rationale
Altered mentation with pinpoint pupils is not a characteristic of right heart failure. These symptoms are more indicative of neurological conditions or opioid overdose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Wearing an N95 mask is appropriate for airborne precautions, such as tuberculosis, but not specifically for MRSA, which requires contact precautions.
Choice B rationale
Wearing a facemask is suitable for droplet precautions, such as influenza, but MRSA is primarily spread through direct contact, not droplets.
Choice C rationale
Using a separate disposable blood pressure cuff for patients with draining wounds helps prevent the spread of MRSA. MRSA can be transmitted via contaminated medical equipment.
Choice D rationale
Strict hand washing measures are essential but should be performed more frequently than once every 8-hour shift. Hand hygiene should be practiced before and after patient contact.