Author Question: A patient being evaluated for cardiac pathology asks the nurse why sodium, calcium, and potassium ... (Read 77 times)

ARLKQ · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient being evaluated for cardiac pathology asks the nurse why sodium, calcium, and potassium are so important in the diet. What is the nurse's best response?

1. The action potentials of the heart muscle cells are dependent on the diffusion of sodium, potassium, and calcium across the cell membrane.
2. Because you are on potassium supplements, it is important to monitor electrolytes.
3. Heart rate is affected by the oxygen levels in your body, which involves the attachment of oxygen molecules to these electrolytes.
4. It is the pacemaker of your heart that is responsible for the heartbeat.

Question 2

The nurse is planning to calculate a patient's cardiac index (CI). What physical assessment data does the nurse need to make this calculation?

1. weight and height
2. weight only
3. weight and waist measurement
4. waist measurement and height

pratush dev · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Action potentials of the cardiac muscle involve shifts in potassium, calcium, and sodium across the cell membrane. There is not enough data to justify a response about potassium supplements. Oxygen molecules attach to the hemoglobin molecule, not electrolytes. The pacemaker is responsible for the heartbeat, but this response does not address the patient's question.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Cardiac index (CI) is the cardiac output adjusted for body size or body surface area. Body surface area is calculated using height and weight measurements. The waist measurement is not needed to calculate CI.