A nurse in a medical unit has noted that a client's potassium ...

[tuffie]

A nurse in a medical unit has noted that a client's potassium level is elevated at 6.1 mEq/L. The nurse has notified the physician, removed the banana from the client's lunch tray, and is performing a focused assessment.
 
  When questioned by the client for the rationale for these actions, which of the following explanations is most appropriate?
  A)
  Your potassium level is high, and so I need you let me know if you feel numbness, tingling, or weakness.
  B)
  Your potassium levels in the blood are higher than they should be, which brings a risk of changes in the brain function.
  C)
  I'll need to monitor you today for signs of high potassium; tell me if you feel as if your heart is beating quickly or irregularly.
  D)
  The amount of potassium in your blood is too high, but this can be resolved by changing the intravenous fluid you are receiving.

Question 2

A science teacher is talking to a group of fifth graders about the role of spit. During the course of the discussion, the teacher asks the students which of the following are functions of saliva?
 
  A)
  Good protection device if someone is being attacked
  B)
  Will have more saliva production when anxious, such as right before a test
  C)
  Has antibacterial action to help keep the mouth clean
  D)
  Secretes acid to chemically break down fatty foods like French fries
  E)
  Secretes the enzyme pepsin

[briseldagonzales]

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
A

Feedback:

Paresthesia and muscle weakness are manifestations of hyperkalemia. Tachycardia and dysrhythmias are more commonly associated with hypokalemia, and the greatest risks associated with potassium imbalances are cardiac rather than neurological. Hyperkalemia is not normally resolved by correction using IV fluid.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
C

Feedback:

Saliva has three functions. The first is to protect and lubricate. The second is to provide antimicrobial protection. The third is to initiate digestion of starches by secreting enzymes. If anxious, SNS activity causes dry mouth. Saliva begins breaking down starches (carbohydrates), not fatty foods. The chief cells secrete pepsinogen, which is converted into pepsin, the enzyme that breaks down protein. This occurs in the stomach.