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 ["B","E","F"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The vital signs are stable and within normal limits. The slight drop in blood pressure post-dialysis is expected and not immediately concerning.
B. The client's weight decreased from 90 kg (198 lb) to 86.4 kg (190 lb) after dialysis. While weight loss is expected due to fluid removal during dialysis, this significant decrease (3.6 kg or approximately 8 lb) may need closer monitoring to ensure the client is not becoming dehydrated or losing more fluid than is safe.
C. The blood glucose levels are within an acceptable range for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The slight decrease from 134 mg/dL to 75 mg/dL is not unusual given the time between measurements and the client's food intake.
D. The presence of a bruit and thrill at the AV fistula site indicates that it is functioning correctly, which is an expected finding.
E. The presence of crackles in the left lower lobe and an unproductive cough on the morning of Day 2 is concerning. These symptoms could indicate fluid overload or early signs of pulmonary edema, which require further evaluation and possible intervention.
F. The AV fistula site is noted to be ecchymotic and warm, with a bruit and thrill still present. While a bruit and thrill are expected findings, the ecchymosis and warmth could indicate a developing infection or trauma at the site, which necessitates further follow-up to prevent complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Auscultating for a bruit at the site of an AV graft is the most appropriate method to assess its patency. A bruit is a sound made by turbulent blood flow, indicating that the graft is functioning.
B. Measuring blood pressure in both arms does not specifically assess the patency of the graft and could potentially harm the graft if measured in the affected arm.
C. Auscultating the antecubital fossa using a Doppler is not a standard practice for assessing AV graft patency; instead, a stethoscope is used directly over the graft site.
D. Checking the brachial and radial pulses does not assess the graft directly. Although pulse presence is important, it does not provide information about the graft’s patency.