The nurse is caring for a patient with hyperkalemia. Which body system assessment is the priority?
Cardiac
Neurological
Gastrointestinal
Respiratory
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and other heart-related complications due to its effect on the electrical conduction system of the heart, making cardiac assessment the priority.
B. While neurological assessment is important in various conditions, it is secondary to assessing cardiac status in hyperkalemia.
C. Gastrointestinal symptoms can occur with hyperkalemia, but they do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk like cardiac issues do.
D. Respiratory assessment is essential in many contexts, but the immediate threat of hyperkalemia lies in its impact on heart function, making cardiac assessment the most critical.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While metabolic acidosis is a potential concern for some diabetic conditions, avoiding acidic foods is not a common dietary guideline for managing diabetes.
B. Including dairy can contribute to calcium intake but does not directly impact diabetes management.
C. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it an appropriate dietary recommendation for this patient.
D. Since the patient does not require insulin, strict carbohydrate reduction may not be necessary, making this option less relevant.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The Good Samaritan Law typically protects individuals who provide care in emergency situations but may not apply if the actions taken are beyond the standard of care or are not in the nurse's training.
B. While the nurse's intention was to save the patient's life, the method employed was not a recognized standard procedure for airway management and may have caused harm.
C. Waiting for help may not have been an appropriate option if the patient's airway was compromised, but the method employed by the nurse was not advisable.
D. Cutting into the trachea and using a straw as a makeshift airway are actions that exceed the typical scope of nursing practice and could be deemed inappropriate, regardless of the outcome for the patient.