Author Question: A nurse is caring for clients with electrolyte imbalances on a medical-surgical unit. Which clinical ... (Read 86 times)

WhattoUnderstand · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse is caring for clients with electrolyte imbalances on a medical-surgical unit. Which clinical manifestations are correctly paired with the contributing electrolyte imbalance? (Select all that apply.)

a. Hypokalemia - Flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression
b. Hyperphosphatemia - Paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness
c. Hyponatremia - Decreased level of consciousness
d. Hypercalcemia - Positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs
e. Hypomagnesemia - Bradycardia, peripheral vasodilation, and hypotension

Question 2

A nurse is assessing a client who has an electrolyte imbalance related to renal failure. For which potential complications of this electrolyte imbalance should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)

a. Electrocardiogram changes
b. Slow, shallow respirations
c. Orthostatic hypotension
d. Paralytic ileus
e. Skeletal muscle weakness

fatboyy09 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, C
Flaccid paralysis with respiratory depression is associated with hypokalemia. Decreased level of consciousness is associated with hyponatremia. Paresthesia with sensations of tingling and numbness is associated with hypophosphatemia or hypercalcemia. Positive Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs are associated with hypocalcemia or hyperphosphatemia. Bradycardia, peripheral vasodilation, and hypotension are associated with hypermagnesemia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, D, E
Electrolyte imbalances associated with acute renal failure include hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia. The nurse should assess for electrocardiogram changes, paralytic ileus caused by decrease bowel mobility, and skeletal muscle weakness in clients with hyperkalemia. The other choices are potential complications of hypokalemia.