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 ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. This statement is incorrect; the nurse should touch only the inside of the first glove while putting it on to maintain sterility.
B. The outer glove package should be removed by tearing it open to access the gloves inside.
C. After putting on the second glove, interlocking hands helps to ensure that the gloves remain sterile.
D. Slipping fingers underneath the second glove cuff with the gloved dominant hand helps to keep the gloves sterile while donning them.
E. Laying the glove package on a clean flat surface above the waistline prevents contamination.
F. The dominant hand should be gloved first to maintain a sterile technique, as the dominant hand is used for the procedure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The Good Samaritan Law typically protects individuals who provide care in emergency situations but may not apply if the actions taken are beyond the standard of care or are not in the nurse's training.
B. While the nurse's intention was to save the patient's life, the method employed was not a recognized standard procedure for airway management and may have caused harm.
C. Waiting for help may not have been an appropriate option if the patient's airway was compromised, but the method employed by the nurse was not advisable.
D. Cutting into the trachea and using a straw as a makeshift airway are actions that exceed the typical scope of nursing practice and could be deemed inappropriate, regardless of the outcome for the patient.