The nurse assessing a client hospitalized with a diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism notes positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. The nurse determines that these findings most indicate which electrolyte imbalance?
Hypernatremia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypocalcemia
Hypokalemia
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Hypernatremia, an elevated sodium level, does not cause Trousseau's or Chvostek's signs.
B. Hypermagnesemia, an elevated magnesium level, is not associated with positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs.
C. Hypocalcemia, a low calcium level, is commonly associated with positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs. Trousseau's sign is a carpopedal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff, while Chvostek's sign is facial twitching in response to tapping over the facial nerve. Both are indicative of neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium levels.
D. Hypokalemia, a low potassium level, does not cause these specific signs and is associated with different clinical manifestations.
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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A decreased level of consciousness is a common symptom of ARF due to hypoxemia, which reduces oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to confusion, agitation, or lethargy.
B. Hypercarbia, or elevated levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, occurs due to impaired gas exchange in ARF, which leads to respiratory acidosis.
C. Severe dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of ARF as the lungs fail to maintain adequate oxygenation or ventilation.
D. Nausea is not a typical manifestation of ARF; while it may occur due to other factors, it is not directly associated with respiratory failure.
E. Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is often seen in ARF as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxemia by increasing cardiac output to deliver more oxygen to tissues.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Assisting the client to the bathroom might be helpful, but it is not the first action the nurse should take since the client hasn't voided for an extended period.
B. Increasing fluids may be beneficial but does not address the immediate concern of whether there is a problem with urinary retention.
C. Performing a bladder scan is the first action to determine if there is urine retention in the bladder. This information is crucial before deciding on further interventions, such as catheterization.
D. Inserting a straight catheter may be necessary if significant urinary retention is confirmed, but it should not be the first action without knowing the bladder's status.