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 B
Explanation
A. "Risk for infection related to chest x-ray procedure" is not an appropriate diagnosis because a chest x-ray is a diagnostic tool, and pneumonia itself is the concern for infection.
B. "Impaired gas exchange related to alveolar-capillary membrane changes" is correct as pneumonia causes inflammation and consolidation in the lungs, which directly impacts gas exchange.
C. "Risk for deficient fluid volume related to dehydration" does not apply specifically to pneumonia unless the patient presents signs of dehydration, which is not indicated in the scenario.
D. "Ineffective breathing pattern related to pneumonia" could also be a valid diagnosis, but the primary concern given the information provided is gas exchange impairment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Sequential compression devices are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis and are not relevant for assessing orthostatic hypotension.
B. Elastic stockings are used to promote venous return and prevent edema, not for measuring blood pressure.
C. A thermometer measures body temperature and does not provide information on blood pressure or orthostatic changes.
D. A blood pressure cuff is essential for assessing orthostatic hypotension. The nurse will measure blood pressure while the patient is supine, sitting, and standing to determine any significant changes that occur with position changes.