A 19-year-old male presents to his primary care provider ...

[sjones]

A 19-year-old male presents to his primary care provider reporting restlessness, muscle cramping, and diarrhea. Lab tests reveal that he is hyperkalemic. Which of the following could have caused his condition?
 
  have caused his condition?
  a. Primary hyperaldosteronism
  b. Acidosis
  c. Insulin secretion
  d. Diuretic use

Question 2

A 60-year-old female is diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to observe?
 
  a. Weak pulse
  b. Excessive thirst
  c. Oliguria
  d. Constipation

[cclemon1]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
During acute acidosis, hydrogen ions accumulate in the ICF and potassium shifts out of the cell to the ECF, causing hyperkalemia. Primary hyperaldosteronism is associated with hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. Insulin secretion helps reduce potassium levels in the cell; it does not cause hyperkalemia. Diuretics would cause hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Hyperkalemia is manifested by oliguria. Hypokalemia is manifested by a weak pulse; it is not caused by hyperkalemia. Hypokalemia is manifested by excessive thirst. Diarrhea, not constipa-tion, is a manifestation of hyperkalemia.

[sjones]

Excellent

[bdobbins]

Gracias!