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. Atelectasis is prevented primarily through deep breathing exercises and respiratory interventions, not passive ROM.
B. Passive ROM and splinting help prevent joint contractures by maintaining joint mobility and alignment, so the absence of contractures indicates successful prevention.
C. Pressure ulcers are avoided through regular repositioning and skin care rather than passive ROM alone.
D. Renal calculi are primarily prevented through hydration and diet, not passive ROM or splinting.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Chest physiotherapy is used to mobilize secretions and improve lung function, not specifically for increasing stroke volume or preload.
B. Diuretics would decrease preload by removing excess fluid, which is counterproductive in a patient with inadequate stroke volume related to decreased preload.
C. Vasodilators can further decrease preload and are not appropriate in this scenario where preload needs to be increased.
D. Intravenous (IV) fluids are administered to increase preload and improve stroke volume by enhancing the circulating blood volume.