Which assessment finding will the nurse expect for a patient with the following laboratory values: sodium 145 mEq/L, potassium 4.5 mEq/L, calcium 4.5 mg/dL?
Weak quadriceps muscles
Decreased deep tendon reflexes
Tingling of extremities with possible tetany
Light-headedness when standing up
The Correct Answer is C
A. Weak quadriceps muscles can occur with electrolyte imbalances, but the provided values do not indicate hypokalemia or other issues causing muscle weakness.
B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes are generally associated with elevated calcium levels or other electrolyte disturbances but are not specifically indicated by the given lab values.
C. A calcium level of 4.5 mg/dL is significantly low (normal range is typically around 8.5-10.5 mg/dL), which can lead to hypocalcemia symptoms such as tingling of the extremities and tetany due to increased neuromuscular excitability.
D. Light-headedness when standing up (orthostatic hypotension) is more related to fluid volume status or dehydration rather than directly related to the given electrolyte levels.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Compassion fatigue is characterized by burnout and secondary traumatic stress, which result from prolonged exposure to caring for patients in distress and trauma, leading to emotional exhaustion.
B. Lateral violence and intrapersonal conflict involve hostile behavior and internal personal issues, which do not define compassion fatigue.
C. While physical and mental exhaustion can occur with compassion fatigue, they are not the defining aspects without the context of prolonged trauma exposure.
D. Short-term grief and a single stressor do not capture the chronic nature of compassion fatigue, which builds over repeated exposure to others' suffering.
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.