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","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Prolonged stress can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections.
B. Prolonged stress typically leads to increased blood pressure due to the body's stress response, rather than low blood pressure.
C. Chronic stress can contribute to the development of diabetes by affecting glucose metabolism and increasing insulin resistance.
D. Allostasis refers to the process of achieving stability through change; prolonged stress can disrupt allostatic balance and lead to health issues.
E. Prolonged stress has been linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer due to its effects on immune function and hormonal balance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Identifying immobility hazards requires clinical judgment and assessment skills that are beyond the scope of nursing assistive personnel.
B. Determining the level of comfort is a subjective assessment that should be done by a nurse to ensure accurate interpretation of the patient’s condition.
C. Changing the patient's position can be safely delegated to nursing assistive personnel, as it is a straightforward task that does not require advanced clinical judgment.
D. Assessing circulation involves evaluating the patient's vital signs and other parameters, which should be performed by a nurse to ensure comprehensive care and assessment.