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 A
Explanation
A. A moderate-carbohydrate diet is recommended because carbohydrates increase CO₂ production during metabolism, and limiting excessive carbohydrate intake can help manage CO₂ retention in patients with respiratory issues.
B. Low-caffeine is not directly related to CO₂ retention and does not influence carbon dioxide levels in the body.
C. High-carbohydrate intake can exacerbate CO₂ production, worsening retention issues in patients with compromised lung function.
D. High-caffeine intake is not related to CO₂ retention management and would not impact CO₂ levels in the respiratory system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While hospice care is appropriate for those with terminal illnesses, the criteria are more specifically defined by life expectancy rather than just the diagnosis itself.
B. Although pain management is a significant aspect of hospice care, the criteria for eligibility focus on life expectancy rather than need for pain management alone.
C. Completion of an advance directive is encouraged but not a specific criterion for hospice care; patients can receive hospice services without having an advance directive in place.
D. Hospice care is typically designated for patients who are expected to live less than 6 months, focusing on providing comfort and support in the final stages of life.